AFGHANISTAN

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SPECIAL NOTICE

 

Although security in Kabul has improved, the risk of incidents threatening safety remains, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It says: "British nationals travelling to Kabul on essential business should register with the British Embassy (Britishembassykabul@gtnet.gov.uk) and seek advice from their
hosts about appropriate security measures before their arrival. We advise travellers to avoid visiting the western and southern districts of the city.

"We continue to advise against all travel outside Kabul. The security situation in Afghanistan remains serious. The threat to foreigners from terrorist/criminal violence remains high. Activity by armed groups continues in many areas. There is also a continuing high security risk arising from recurrent outbreaks of fighting between different Afghan groups.

"Those who, despite this travel advice, travel outside Kabul are advised to do so only with permanent armed protection and to go only to fully protected workplaces. Travellers should use reputable local guides.

"Visitors should be aware that even these precautions cannot guarantee their safety. British nationals who remain in Afghanistan, particularly outside Kabul, should continue to reassess their position. They should exercise the utmost care and vary their routines."

September 2002

 
The Islamic State of Afghanistan, is a landlocked state in Asia; bordering on the Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to the north, Iran to the west, Pakistan to the south and east.
CAPITAL Kabul.
POPULATION 26,813,057 (July 2001 estimate).
LANGUAGE(S) Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari), Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen), 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai). 
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Metric system.
CURRENCY(-IES) 1 Afghanistan afghani (AFA) = 100 puls.
EXCHANGE RATE 7455.12 AFA = £1 sterling (fluctuating rate).
INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE 00 93
TIME 4½ hours ahead of GMT (3½ hours ahead of BST).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 21 Mar; 28 Apr; 1, 4 May; 19, 30 or 31 Aug; in addition, the following which have variable dates: Islamic New Year; Ashoora, Prophet's Birthday, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha.
EMBASSY(-IES) 31 Prince's Gate, London SW7 1QQ. Tel: 020 7589 8891, fax: 020 7581 3452.  Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600.
BRITISH EMBASSY Advice may be sought from the Afghanistan Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, tel: 020 7270 2856, fax: 020 7270 3158.
CHAMBER(S) OF COMMERCE Afghan Chamber of Commerce, Mohammed Jan Khan Watt, Kabul. Tel: 0093 2 290090, fax: 0093 1 287458.