Why visit
Afghanistan is a destination in Asia known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Country · Asia
Afghanistan
culturefoodhistory
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
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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
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
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.
Other Asia destinations
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India
India is as much a rite of passage as a destination. Taj Mahal and Jaipur palaces, Varanasi ghats, Kerala backwaters, Goa beaches, Himalayan Ladakh. One trip can only sample one region.
Indonesia
Indonesia is 17,000 islands. Bali for beaches and temples, Java for Borobudur and volcanoes, Komodo for dragons and pink-sand beaches, Sulawesi for diving. Pick two islands; don't try to see them all.
Iran
Iran, for travelers who can visit, offers Isfahan's blue mosques, Persepolis, Yazd's desert architecture, and some of the world's most hospitable hosts.
Iraq
Iraq is a destination in Asia known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Israel
Israel compresses 3,000 years into a country the size of New Jersey. Jerusalem's Old City, Tel Aviv's beach life, Masada's desert fortress, and Galilee.