Due to the prevailing threat of global terrorism (including to aid relief workers and journalists) travellers are strongly advised against travel to Afghanistan. Most Western civilians not affiliated to any aid operation are advised to leave the country.
The situation in Afghanistan remains extremely unstable, and is potentially violent for foreigners. Outbreaks of fighting are still occurring between rival Afghan groups, some of whom have already targeted foreigners.
We suggest you visit one of the following government websites for the latest risk assessment:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Tel: +44 (0)870 606 0290

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
Tel: +1 (0)800 267 6788

Very little reliable information is available relating to some of the following sections; much of the infrastructure and services were destroyed or ceased to function in the months of fighting in 2001, and are still in the process of being rebuilt and repaired. Those that were there before were severely limited and old-fashioned due to the years of civil war and occupation that preceded this.

Southwest Asia; northwest part of Indian subcontinent.

GMT + 4.5.

652,225 sq km (251,773 sq miles).

26 million (UN, 2005).

39.8 per sq km.

Kabul. Population: 2,766,800 (official estimate 2000).

Afghanistan is a landlocked country, sharing its borders with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikstan to the north, China to the northeast, Pakistan to the east and south and Iran to the west. On the eastern tip of the Iranian plateau, central Afghanistan is made up of a tangled mass of mountain chains. The Hindu Kush is the highest range, rising to more than 7500m (24,600ft). The Bamian Valley separates the Hindu Kush from Koh-i-Baba, the central mountain range and source of the Helmand River. To the north and southwest of these mountains, alluvial plains provide fertile agricultural soil. To the northeast is Kabul, the capital. The other major cities are Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat.

Republic. Civil war since 1992. Head of State: President Hamid Karzai since December 2001 (officially elected as President in October 2004). Recent history: After the defeat of the Taleban in November 2001, the main opposition factions agreed upon the formation of a new interim administration, pending the convening of a loya jirga (traditional assembly). This traditional form of assembly, held in mid-2002, brought together representatives of all the major powers in the country and attempted to map out a constitutional future for Afghanistan. The assembly agreed on the appointment of Hamad Karzai as interim Premier but very little else. Hamad Karzai won Afghanistan's first direct Presidential elections in October 2004 despite reports of voting irregularities. The President will serve a five-year term and will implement Afghanistan's new constitution. The first Parliamentary and local elections for more than 30 years were held on 18 September 2005. Only about 55 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots, more than 20 per cent down on the previous year's Presidential poll. Many voters said they did not want to vote for candidates they regarded as warlords. There was also evidence that many people found the elections too confusing. The process of counting the results was completed in November 2005. President Hamid Karzai's brother, Abdul Qayyum Karzai, was elected to the lower House of Parliament. The inauguration of the Afghan National Assembly took place on 19 December 2005.

The principal languages are Pashto and Dari Persian. Some English and Russian may also be spoken.

Islamic majority (mostly Sunni), with Shi’ite, Hindu and Sikh minorities.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Supplies may be seriously affected and powercuts frequent for the foreseeable future.

Outside Kabul, Afghanistan is still very much a tribal society. Religion and traditional customs have a strong influence within the family, and there are strict male and female roles in society. It is considered insulting to show the soles of the feet. Guests may have to share a room as specific accommodation is rarely set aside. Women are advised to wear trousers or long skirts and avoid revealing dress. Homosexuality is illegal. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol and pork products are forbidden. Handshaking is an acceptable form of greeting, though nose-rubbing and embracing are more traditional. Smoking is a common social habit and tobacco is cheap by European standards. It is a compliment to accept an offered cigarette from your host. Photography: Care should be taken when using cameras. Military installations should not be photographed.