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         AFGHANISTAN
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Afghanistan is a landlocked
country in southern Asia. The
greater part of the country is
mountainous with several peaks
over 6000m in the central
region. The climate is
generally arid with great
extremes of temperature. There
is considerable snowfall in
winter. The main economic
activity is agriculture, and
although predominantly
pastoral, successful
cultivation takes place in the
fertile plains and valleys.
Natural gas is produced in
northern Afghanistan, and over
90% of this is piped across
the border to the former USSR.

Area (Sq. Km.): 652,090

Population: 15,885,000

Capital: Kabul

Language:
Pushtu
Dari Persian
Uzbek

Religion:
Sunni Moslem 84%
Shi'a Moslem 15%

Government Type:
In transition

Currency: Afghani

Embassy:
31 Prince's Gate
London
SW7 1QQ
0171-589-8891

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Foreign Office Advice:

Travel to Afghanistan should
be avoided unless absolutely
essential. Continuing tension
has led to recurrent outbreaks
of fighting.

Those insisting on travelling
should check before setting
out. There is no resident
mission in Afghanistan for
consular help. The British
High Commission in Islamabad,
Pakistan, can provide limited
advice.

Armed conflict may pose a
threat to civil aircraft. Some
carriers avoid Afghan
airspace. It is possible to
check direct or with a travel
agent.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129