AFGHANISTANTHE FACTS

By Sam Lawson

Afghanistan is in southwest Asiaand is slightly smaller than Texas

Afghan Flag

The center emblem is a classic Afghan symbol that has been used for generations

The Black represents the 19th century when Afghanistan was occupied, The Red represents the blood shed to get independence, The Green represents hope and a bright future

Natural Resources

Afghanistan produces 30 million cubic meters of natural gas a year

Afghanistan is also a large producer of coal and copper

Branches of Islam Present

Branches of Islam

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

ShiaSunni

Life Expectancy compared to the U.S.

Men

Women

Average

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Series3

Afghanistan

U.S.

Literacy Rate

Men

Women

Average

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

AfghanistanU.S.

Yearly Income

Average person's yearly income

$0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000

AfghanistanU.S.

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

Special CircumstancesTravelers 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.

Tourist site #1Band-e-Amir Lakes

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.

Tourist Site #2The Khyber Pass

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.

Tourist Site #3The Tora Bora Cave System

Tora Bora is a cave complex situated in the White Mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

It was a famous hideout of Osama bin Laden.

Surprising Facts

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’.