page_title: Economy of Afghanistan
section_title: Tourism
hierarchical_section_title: Economy of Afghanistan / Tourism
caption_attribution_description: English: View of the Herat Citadel from atop the premises
context_page_description: The economy of Afghanistan has improved significantly in the last decade due to the infusion of billions of dollars in international assistance and remittances from Afghan expatriates. The assistance that came from expatriates and outside investors saw this increase when there was more political reliability after the fall of the Taliban regime. The nation's GDP stands at about $70 billion with an exchange rate of $20 billion, and the GDP per capita is about $2,000. It imports over $6 billion worth of goods but exports nearly $1 billion only, mainly fruits and nuts.
  Despite holding over $1 trillion in proven untapped mineral deposits, Afghanistan remains one of the least developed countries in the world. Its unemployment rate is 23.9% and about 54.5% of its population lives below the poverty line. Many of the unemployed men join the foreign-funded militant groups or the world of crime, particularly as smugglers. The Afghan government has long been pleading for foreign investment in order to improve Afghanistan's economy.
context_section_description: Tourism in Afghanistan was at its peak in 1977. Many tourists from around the world came to visit Afghanistan, including from as far away as Europe and North America. All of that ended with the start of the April 1978 Saur Revolution. However, it is again gradually increasing despite the insecurity. Each year about 20,000 foreign tourists visit Afghanistan. Tourists should avoid areas where armed criminals operate in the name of Taliban. As a policy, the Taliban are known not to harm tourists. Distinguishing the two groups is very difficult.
  The country has four international airports, including the Hamid Karzai International Airport, Mazar-e Sharif International Airport, Kandahar International Airport and Herat International Airport. It also has several smaller airports throughout the country. The city of Kabul has many guest houses and hotels, including the Serena Hotel, the Hotel Inter-Continental Kabul, and the Safi Landmark Hotel. Guest houses and hotels can also be found in the other cities, including in Bamyan.
  The following are some notable tourist sites in Afghanistan:
  Bamyan
  Band-e Amir National Park in Bamyan Province
  Site of Buddhas of Bamyan
  Kabul
  Chihil Sutun
  Gardens of Babur
  National Museum of Afghanistan
  Paghman
  Kandahar
  Aino Mina (providing safe hotels and tour guides)
  Shrine of the Cloak
  Shrine of Baba Wali
  Mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak
  Herat
  Great Mosque of Herat
  Herat Citadel
  Mazar-i-Sharif
  Great Blue Mosque
caption: Herat Citadel in Herat
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