Guide to Afghanistan

Full Name: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Location: Landlocked country in southwestern Asia bordering China on the east, on the west by Iran, on the south by Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmensitan and Uzbekistan on the north. The Hindu Kush mountains run northeast to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the country, the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor)

Population: 24.9 million (UN, 2004)

Capital: Kabul Area: 652,225 sq km (251,773 sq miles)

Comprises: Afghanistan is divided nto 34 provinces.

Nationality: Afghan

Major language: Pashto, Dari (Persian)

Major religion: Islam - Sunni Muslim 88%, Shi'a Muslim 11% Other 1%

Life expectancy: 43 years (men), 43 years (women)

Currency: 1 Afghani = 100 puls

Main exports: Fruit and nuts, carpets, wool, opium

Internet domain: .af

International dialling code: +93

Airport: Kabul International Airport

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4.5 (Standard)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Vaccinations Recommended: Polio & Typhoid

Climate: Arid to semiarid: cold winters and hot summers

Entry/Visa : A valid passport is required. Visa required by everyone except: Nationals of Afghanistan holding official passports; Travellers holding re-entry permits issued by Afghanistan; Travellers holding confirmed onward tickets and continuing their journey to another country by the same aircraft within 2 hours.

10 October 2007