Moving to Afghanistan

Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, is an arid to semiarid landlocked country between Iran and Pakistan. The tall and forbidding Hindu Kush mountain range divides the country into three geographical regions, and while dry deserts make up most of the country’s landscape, the southeast consists of lush, fertile plains.

Afghanistan is a country that has experienced decades of conflict. The US withdrawal in 2021 ended the large-scale warfare, although terrorist attacks and security incidents continue to occur. In 2021, the Taliban returned to power, ending the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that had been established in 2004 during the international military intervention. Since then, the Taliban has reformed the government and enforces a particularly harsh interpretation of Sharia Law.

Currently, expats are advised not to travel to Afghanistan due to the ongoing violence, human rights violations and risk of terrorist attacks. Major governments worldwide advise against any travel to Afghanistan.

Living in Afghanistan as an expat

Safety and security are the main concerns for expats contemplating a move to Afghanistan. The Taliban’s restrictions on international operations have severely limited traditional expat opportunities. That said, you may appreciate Afghanistan’s multiculturalism, rugged, pastoral beauty, as well as the tenacity of the Afghan people.

Many expats living in Afghanistan have relocated since the Taliban assumed control. Previously, expats would typically work supporting international military forces, private security operations, or development and diplomatic sectors, although international development work has been severely restricted since 2021. While Afghanistan didn’t offer the comforts of other expat destinations, the ‘hardship factor’ combined with high risks to personal safety ensured that expats would be well compensated financially. Expats would typically be housed within fortified compounds, surrounded by heavy security. However, the economic collapse and international isolation since 2021 have fundamentally changed this situation.

Due to the ongoing conflict, many governments advise their citizens to avoid travelling to certain areas of the country, if not all, of Afghanistan. If you’re considering an assignment to Afghanistan, it should therefore be considered very carefully. Whether the benefits outweigh the risks is for you to decide.

Fast facts

Population: More than 43 million

Capital city: Kabul

Neighbouring countries: Afghanistan shares borders with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north, China to the northeast, Pakistan to the east and south and Iran to the west.

Geography: Afghanistan is a mountainous and landlocked country with plains to the north and southwest. The Hindu Kush stretches from central Afghanistan towards Pakistan, forming the central highland region.

Political system: Unitary totalitarian provisional theocratic Islamic emirate – the Taliban currently holds a monopoly on power

Major religions: Islam

Main languages: Pashto and Dari

Time: GMT+4.5

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Two-pin ‘type C’ and ‘type F’ plugs are used.

Money: The Afghani (AFN) is subdivided into 100 pul, although pul coins are no longer in circulation. The currency has experienced significant instability since 2021.

International dialling code: +93

Emergency numbers: 112 (fire); 119 (police); 102 (ambulance)

Internet domain: .af

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road.