4 Things to Love About Afghanistan
Overseas, the word Afghanistan strikes fear into many people's hearts. But beyond politics, Afghanistan is a source of great inspiration for its long-suffering citizens.
So, before asking the more frequently posed question of why so many Afghans are prepared to leave the country of their birth, perhaps it would be better to ask why so many stay?
1. It is one of the youngest countries in the world
Afghanistan is the fifth youngest country in the world, with 68% of its population under 25. This booming demographic creates risks and opportunities. With hope, opportunities will be created for youth to serve their conflict-torn developing country, rather than advanced developed countries.
2. Hospitality like nowhere else
Afghans are very hospitable, serving guests as one of their own with home-cooked food. This is at the root of the proverb “nan wa piyaz, qash waz”, meaning “bread and onion be the food, with happy mood.”
Afghans live in the simplest way possible. Whole Afghan families tend to live in a single house together. Simplicity for Afghans also extends to preferring to sit cross-legged on the floor over chairs, and sleeping on mattresses on the floor rather than beds.
This way of life has helped Afghans survive the hardship they have endured over the years, and the basic life is one that many prefer, even if they are wealthy.
4. Fantastic mineral wealth
More than 80% of Afghanistan’s population depend on agriculture for a living. The country is also rich in gold, copper and other minerals. Unfortunately, due to security threats there has been little investment made in Afghanistan's land. According to one study, the value of country’s mineral resources were estimated to be around three trillion US Dollars.
