Afghanistan🇦🇫
Afghanistan, a country in Central and Southern Asia, is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. It is renowned for its martial spirit and resilience against empires given its historical invasions by Greeks, Mauryas, Arabs, Mongols, British, Soviets, and Americans. Despite the troubled political landscape, Afghanistan is a land of stunning landscapes comprising rugged mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful lakes. Its rich culture and history are reflected in its ancient traditions such as the Afghan music (Attan), poetry (Pashto), and national game (Buzkashi). Major attractions include the awe-inspiring Minaret of Jam, the historic city of Herat, and the picturesque Band-e-Amir National Park.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid unwanted attention by dressing modestly and respecting local customs.
- Avoid isolated places, especially after dark, due to risks of violent crime and kidnapping.
- Avoid consuming tap water. Always opt for bottled water.
- Avoid accepting offers of food, drink or transportation from strangers.
- Avoid unregulated entertainment venues, as they are known to flout safety regulations.
- Avoid critiquing the government or religious beliefs.
- Avoid public demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Avoid being alone, particularly if you're a woman or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Avoid road travel if unnecessary due to threats of roadside bombs.
- Avoid neglecting personal hygiene and taking preventive measures against diseases which are endemic in the country.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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The crime rate in Afghanistan is volatile due to an unstable political situation. Violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, kidnapping, and murders are prevalent. The capital city, Kabul, and other urban areas like Jalalabad, Mingora, and Sargodha are key crime hotspots due to the presence of various extremist elements.
Terrorism 💣
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Afghanistan is a major sufferer of international terrorism. Frequent bombings, ambushes, and suicide attacks happen by insurgent groups, most notoriously the Taliban. The bombing incidents at Kabul airport in August 2021 and Ghazni mosque in October 2021 marked significant terrorist events causing devastating casualties to both local population and foreign nationals.
War ⚔️
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Afghanistan has been a battlefield for the past several decades. The U.S. led war against terrorism from 2001 led to long-term instability. The situation worsened in 2021, with the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces leading to Taliban takeover, causing severe humanitarian crisis.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Afghanistan is prone to natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, droughts, and landslides. The country faces recurring droughts due to irregular rainfall. Notably, an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude hit Afghanistan in December 2021 causing significant property damage, but no casualties.
Medical Care 🏥
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Access to medical care is limited, especially in rural areas. Health facilities are inadequate, with a shortage of qualified medical practitioners. The recent war-like situation has exasperated the problem of ensuring compelling medical services.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The quality of tap water is generally poor and not safe for drinking without treatment. Contamination by biological and chemical pollutants is widespread because of ineffective water-treatment facilities.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Communicable diseases like cholera, TB, hepatitis, and malaria are commonplace. The country also grapples with high maternal and child mortality rates due to inadequate healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the already weakened healthcare system.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is pervasive in Afghanistan on an institutional scale. From obtaining a passport to accessing justice, individuals face prevalent demands for bribes. Its toll on public welfare, civil liberties, and economic development has been considerable. Major events include revelations of a multibillion-dollar fraud at Kabul Bank in 2010.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women's safety is a significant concern in Afghanistan, with high rates of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and women's rights violations. With the return of the Taliban regime in 2021, women's conditions have deteriorated further with restrictions on education, work, and freedom of movement imposed.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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There is no protection for the rights of queer people, with homosexuality considered a taboo and a crime under Afghan law. The reinstallation of the Taliban government has intensified the persecution, making it an extremely unsafe place for the LGBTQ+ population.
Censorship 📺
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Media freedom is nearly nonexistent. Journalists risk threats, intimidation, and even assassinations for expressing views critical of the regime. The situation has grown worse under the Taliban's rule, imposing restrictions on all forms of free speech and expression.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation is often unreliable, and safety standards are not up to mark. Most people prefer private transport or taxis. Roadside bombs and militant attacks on highways also pose a significant risk for travel.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Given the high levels of crime, terrorism, war, and corruption, Afghanistan faces significant safety challenges. Caution is advised at all times. Ensure appropriate personal security measures are taken, avoid unnecessary public attention, and stay updated with local news to avoid risky areas.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Due to security concerns, several embassies, including those of the US, UK, and Canada, have suspended their operations in Afghanistan. Contact your respective foreign office for travel advisories.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations before traveling to Afghanistan include routine vaccines, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, and Rabies. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required if traveling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Bears and leopards can present a threat in remote, mountainous parts of Afghanistan. Scorpions, although not typically deadly, can deliver painful and potentially dangerous stings.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Afghanistan requires a visa for most foreigners. Visa regulations may vary and it's recommended to check the latest updates with the nearest Afghan embassy or consulate prior to your travel.
💲 Currency
Afghanistan's currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Exchange services can be located in urban areas and larger towns, although it's recommended to do so in a bank rather than with street dealers.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance in Afghanistan is limited mainly to international hotels and major businesses. Cash is often the most accepted form of payment.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Given the high security risks, cultural barriers, and limited work opportunities, Afghanistan may not be the most suitable choice for work and travel for foreigners.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Afghanistan can be relatively low, but this can greatly vary depending on the region and type of lifestyle. However, the high cost of personal security and potential emergency evacuations can make living in or traveling to Afghanistan expensive.