Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Asia, lying at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. It is known for its mountainous terrain and for its place on the ancient Silk Road, the network of routes along which goods, languages and ideas once moved between east and west. The country is also referred to as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, names that reflect its recent political history.
What a visit is like
Afghanistan's landscape is shaped above all by its mountains, which cover much of the country and give it a sense of height and distance. Travellers who come for the scenery, or for the chance to follow the routes that once linked Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent, find a country that rewards slow and attentive journeying. Its cultural life is layered, as the land has been crossed and settled by many peoples, and its history spans a long succession of empires and civilizations.
Before you go
- Check current travel advisories from your own government, as conditions in the country have been unsettled for many years.
- Plan with care for transport and accommodation, since services can be limited outside the main centres.
- Learn something of the history beforehand, as the country's past gives context to what you will see.
Afghanistan suits a traveller who values history, landscape and the sense of traversing a region long defined by movement. Anyone considering a trip should weigh the present security situation carefully and seek up-to-date information before deciding.
