³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Last year, Afghanistan attracted 7,000 tourists from abroad. That’s despite many governments warning citizens not to visit the country because it’s ruled by the Taliban, an extreme Islamic group. Since overthrowing Afghanistan’s government in 2021, the Taliban have banned women from attending university and working in all non-governmental organisations. They’ve also ordered the closure of beauty salons across the country.

So why are tourists choosing to go there and what are the risks? The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳’s Flora Drury joined us to explain.

Plus, we hear from Sascha Heeney, who’s actually travelled to Afghanistan both as a tourist and a tour guide, and Zarghuna Kargar, an Afghan journalist with the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.

Rising tourism is good news for tour guides in the country, like Rohullah, who told us about the rules that must be followed and what makes the country appealing to visitors.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Alex Rhodes
Producers: Baldeep Chahal and William Lee Adams
Editor: Verity Wilde