1. By Sam Lawson

3.  The center emblem is a classic Afghan symbol that has been used for generations  The Black represents the 19 th century when Afghanistan was occupied, The Red represents the blood shed to get independence, The Green represents hope and a bright future

4.  Afghanistan produces 30 million cubic meters of natural gas a year  Afghanistan is also a large producer of coal and copper

9. Travelers must be aware of possible kidnappings, unexploded land mines, and vehicle borne explosives.

10. Travelers must be aware that banks are unreliable and cash only, phone and internet services are very limited, and women are expected to dress a certain way.

11.  The Band-e-Amir are a group of 6 natural intensely deep blue lakes. They were Afghanistan’s first National Park.  The lakes are in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Central Afghanistan.

12.  The Khyber pass is a mountain pass in the east of Afghanistan linking Pakistan and Afghanistan.  It is popular with tourists because many famous people including Darius I, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan have led armies through the pass.

13.  Tora Bora is a cave complex situated in the White Mountains of eastern Afghanistan.  It was a famous hideout of Osama bin Laden.

14.  Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer opium.  Buzkashi or “goat grabbing” is Afghanistan's national sport. It involves players on horseback attempting to get a goat carcass across the other team’s goal line.  The term ‘Afghanistan’ means the ‘Land of Afghans’.