AFGHANISTAN is a land-locked country, situated in Southwest Asia, and lying on the Eastern tip of the Iranian Plateau. It is very mountainous, with the highest range – the Hindu Kush (in the North), rising to more than 7500m (24,600ft).

The capital, Kabul, lies in the East, and travel outside of the capital is not generally permitted.

The high mountainous regions have a cool climate, while the Southern lowlands have hot summers and harsh winters.