Why visit
Afghanistan holds the Minaret of Jam, the Band-e-Amir lakes, and the ghosts of the Bamiyan Buddhas along the old Silk Road. Conventional tourism is currently very limited; most governments advise against all travel.
Country - Asia
Afghanistan
culturefoodhistory
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Afghanistan works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Kabul as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Afghanistan.
At a glance
Location
33.0°, 65.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
652,230 km²
251,827 mi²
Country population
42.2 million
65/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Afghan afghani (؋)
AFN
Dial
+93
Languages
Dari, Pashto, Turkmen
Demonym
Afghan
Internet
.af
UN
Member state
ISO code
AF / AFG
Where in the world
33.0° - 65.0°
Afghanistan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddhas, carved into cliffs in the 6th century, were the world's largest standing Buddhas until destruction in 2001.
- Afghanistan is one of only two countries whose national flag contains buildings (the other is Cambodia).
- The Hindu Kush mountain range has 24 peaks over 7,000 m: Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor touches China at the Pamir Knot.
Bordering Afghanistan
Traveler notes
- Band-e-Amir's travertine lakes are Afghanistan's first national park
- Bamiyan's cliff niches held the giant Buddhas until 2001
- Treat this page as background reading rather than trip planning
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Kabul, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Afghanistan
What is the capital of Afghanistan?
Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan.
What currency does Afghanistan use?
Afghanistan uses the Afghan afghani (؋), ISO code AFN.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan?
The primary languages are Dari, Pashto and Turkmen.
Is Afghanistan landlocked?
Yes, Afghanistan is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Afghanistan?
Afghanistan borders Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China.
What is the international calling code for Afghanistan?
The calling code is +93.
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