Afghanistan shares its borders with 6 different countries: Iran Turkmenistan Pakistan China Tajikistan Uzbekistan

Afghanistan has a hugely varied landscape; there are lush green hills and snow-capped mountains, not just rocky deserts. _ It is a common misconception that  Afghanistan is a country only of deserts and baron lansdcapes. In the 70s tourists flocked to Afghanistan and visiting its beautiful regions and exploring its archaeology. Between December and February snow is common, especially in the North.

Afghanistan has at least 14 different ethnic groups, including Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek Since its central role in the ancient silk route, which saw silk traders travel from China to the estern World to sell their wares, the nation has adopted a nomadic trait. There are Pushtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Aimaqs, Turkmens, Balocks, Pashais, Nuristanis, Gujjars, Arabs , Brahuis and Pamiris

The Nomadic Kuchi people The Kuchi people are a group of nomadic tribes of Pashtun ethnic origin, based mainly in the South of the country About 2.5 million Kuchis live in Afghanistan The Afghan-Pakistan border allows them and their flocks of sheep and goats to move freely in seasonal migrations They exchange their animal produce for grain, vegetables and fruit Kuchis live in portable tents made of yak hair

Local people see hospitality as a religious obligation in Afghanistan Afghan people pride themselves on their hospitality, opening their homes to guests and offering them food.

Buddhas of Bamiyan Bamiyan Province was once home to the largest standing Buddha statues in the world In 2001 the Taliban destroyed the statues... ...which Buddhist monks built over 1500 years ago Refugees & civilians have found 1000s of relics and cave paintings at the site Countries such as Japan & Switzerland have pledged support for the rebuilding of the statues It is a common misconception that Afghanistan is a country only of deserts and baron lansdcapes. In the 70s tourists flocked to Afghanistan and visiting its beautiful regions and exploring its archaeology. Between December and February snow is common, especially in the North.

The Leaning 'Minaret of Jam' Like the caves of Bamiyan, the Minaret of Jam is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 800 years old, the 62 meter-high minaret has started to lean; in 2014 the BBC reported that it was in imminent danger of collapse. Made entirely of baked bricks, its surface is intricately decorated with ornate carvings of calligraphy, geometry and Qur'anic verses. It is located in a near-inaccesible region of central Afghanistan.

'Out of the Ashes' Since its prohibition and repression under the Taliban, sport is flourishing, and is now a source of national pride 2015: The Afghanistan National Cricket Team made their World Cup debut in Australia 2017: They gained Test Status and are ranked in the worlds top 10 teams This needs a photo of cricket

Olympic 'Goat-Grabbing'? Afghanistan boasts one of the most dangerous national sports in the world 'Buzkashi', or 'Goat-Grabbing', involves competitors on horseback vying to capture a goat carcass The aim is to carry it into the opposition's area, rather like a horse-bound 'try'! Previous Olympic Committees have discussed it for future games, but there is no sign of any imminent involvement... It is a common misconception that Afghanistan is a country only of deserts and baron lansdcapes. In the 70s tourists flocked to Afghanistan and visiting its beautiful regions and exploring its archaeology. Between December and February snow is common, especially in the North.

'The Afghan Girl' June 1985: The cover of National Geographic had one of the most iconic & memorable images in the world. The magazine now runs a fund in Sharbat Gula's name, seeking to bring education to young Afghan girls. Afghan Connection has built 46 schools (including one from Sharbat Gula's fund) and has trained nearly 1000 teachers In 2002 only 5000 girls were in school. Today there are 7 million Afghan children in schools, 40% of whom are girls.