Just as the topic says, I will be creating a thread that would focus and discuss extensively about each Country of every Continent.

I believe this will help travellers/would be travellers to know more about country they wish to visit or even fascinate them to visit Countries they never had in mind.

My course of action is to start alphabetically; writing about each country per week, and please feel free to comment or suggest

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1. Afghanistan: Things You Should Know About It as a Tourist and Entrepreneur



Afghanistan officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It is a landlocked country located within South Asia and Central Asia.


Here is all about Afghanistan in Summary:

– Continent/Location
Asia/ South Asia

– Major Religion
Islam

– Currency
Afghani AFN (1 Dollar= 68.8 Afghani)
Currency Rank 91 out of 276 (2016)

– Political System
Unitary Presidential Islamic Republic. Similar to Democracy.

– Establishment
First Afghan State – April 1709 .
Recognized on – 19, August 1919

– Capital
Kabul (And it’s the largest city in Afghan with 3.4 million inhabitants)

– Total Area
Total area 652,864km2 – 41st Largest in the world)

– Population
32 million people as of 2015 estimates.
Ranked 40th most populated in the world.

– Climate
It has cold winters and hot summers.
Climate is extreme in general.

– Borders
It shares boarder with Tajikistan, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

– Friends of the country
India, United States, Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, the EU, Japan, Uzbekistan,

– Population distribution
Under the age of 17 years – 59%
Above 17 years – 41%

– Male – Female Ratio
Male – Roughly 14 million
Female – 16 million (estimate)

– Ethnic Groups
Pashtun (Largest Ethnic group), Tajiks, Hazaras, Turksman and Uzbeks.

– Language
Official – Pasto and Dari ( Afghanistan Persian Language)
Others are – Baluchi, Pashai , Nuristani.

– English speaking places
Majorly Kabul.

– French Speaking Places
Very low level in Central Kabul.

– Administrative/Divison
Divided into 34 provinces (willayats) with each province having its own capital. The provinces are further divided into about 398 smaller Districts. Each district is represented by a district governor.

– Natural Resources
Over 1400 mineral fields, containing barite, chromite, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, lead,natural gas, petroleum, precious and semi-precious stones, salt, sulfur, talc, zinc and many other minerals.

– Major Occupation
Farming

– Major Source of Income
Agriculture

– Demographics/Composition
80% Afghanistan and 20% other tribes of the world.

– Economy
The economy of Afghanistan has improved significantly since 2002 due to the infusion of billions of dollars in international assistance and investments, as well as remittances from Afghan expatriates.

– Exports
Afghanistan is the 165th largest export economy in the world. Major exports are carpets and rugs (45 percent of total exports); dried and fresh fruits (31 percent), Opium, natural gas, wool.

– Import
main imports are capital goods, construction materials, food- stuffs, pharmaceuticals, textiles,

– Education
Education in Afghanistan includes K-12 and Higher education. Still a large percentage of children has no access to education as at 2016 due to lack of educational facilities.

– Accomodation/Housing
Housing style not too modern and few hotels.

– Food
Food and food-stuffs is generally cheap in Afghanistan both in cities and rural provinces. Afghan cuisine is largely based upon the nation’s chief crops, such as wheat, maize, barley and rice. Kabuli Palaw is the national dish of Afghanistan.

– Cost of Living
Cost of living in Afghanistan is generally low compared to other countries.

– Average Salaries
$285 dollars after tax.

– Transportation
Transport in Afghanistan is cheap and limited still in the developing stage.
It has 5 Airports. Though travelling by air is limited around the country.
Rail Network is still unavailable.
Some roads are still in dilapidated state, but most is under construction.

– Technology/Telecommunications
Still in a developing state with MTN and Etisalat being the major Networks.

– Sport
Lovers of major sports like football, cricket, basketball and so on.
Major sport is Buzkashi

– Entertainment
Still in a developing state and not as common like other countries.

– Music
Music in Afghanistan has existed for a little while – including Pop, Classical, Folk, Ghazal, Instrumental or Tak Nawazi

– Peculiarities
Lovers of poem

– Beauty Rank
No data for this

– Movie
Due to Afghanistan war, the lands have been used many times to shoot war scene movies.

– Night Life/ Clubbing
Still a little bit popular in Kabul, the country capital.

– Groups and Clubs
There are quite helpful groups like Afghan Student Union, Penn Club of Afghanistan etc

– Tourism Areas
Still in a developing state.

– Strange Culture
It’s Normal

– Safety
Most areas are unsafe to live in. So always be watchful. Adhere to local customs and avoid offending people.

– Places to avoid
Most time walk with an indigene who knows the in and out.

– Don’ts
Keep to general rules of Islam.
Don’t ask them about any of their female members cause women are private.
Don’t discuss about Religion
Don’t show a woman any attention in public or even stare at her.
Don’t bring dogs to an Afghanistan home.

– General Problem
Access to low electricity

In conclusion, I will rank Afghanistan a below average rate among country to visit for business and pleasure.

Atleast Nigeria Don See Who They Better Pass..

Angola :Interesting Things You Should Know About It as a Tourist and Entrepreneur




In this excerpt I try to summarize and extract the specialties and peculiarities of the country Angola (other countries in the next article) both for fun-seekers and business minded people and also compare it with other nations of the world.

Angola officially the Republic of Angola is a Southern African Country and is the seventh-largest country in Africa.

Here is all about Angola in Summary:

– Continent/Location
Africa/Southern Part

– Major Religion
Christianity i.e Catholic

– Currency
Kwanza ( 1 Dollar= 156.25 Kwanza)
Currency Rank 140 out of 276

– Political System
Unitary Presidential Republic. Similar to Democracy.

– Independence
From Portugal 11 Nov. 1975

– Most Expensive City in Angola
Luanda (Also the most expensive city to live in the world)

– Total Area
1.2km squared – 22nd Largest in the world.

– Climate
It has 3 seasons:
Dry Season – May to October
Rainy Season – Feb. To April
Hot and Rainy Season – Nov. to Jan.
Climate is OK in general

– Borders
Atlantic Ocean, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, and Botswana and Namibia to the south.

– Friends of the country
Cuba, Mozambique, China, Soviet Union, India, Mexico.

– Capital
Luanda (The Largest and Finest City in Angola). Tagged the “Paris of Africa” due to its culture sophistication and atmosphere. It is also the most expensive city to live in the world.

– Population:
24.47 Million People as of 2014
Ranked 51 most populated.

– Population distribution
46.6% – below 15 years
50.9% – between 15 and 65 years
2.5% – above 65 years

– Population of male and female
10.6 million males
13.4 million females

– Life expectancy
56 years. It has one of the highest mortality rate in the world.

– Language
Official – Portuguese
Others are – Kikongo, Chokwe, Umbundu, Kimbundun, Nganguela, Kwanyama

– English speaking places –
South of Luanda, Luanda Sul, Talatona, Morro Bento, Benfica

– French Speaking Places:
City Central, Luanda-Centro

– Administrative/Divison
Divided into 18 provinces with 163 Municipalities, which are further divided to 475 townships.

– Natural Resources
diamonds, oil, gold, copper, and a rich wildlife forest, and fossils.

– Demographics
68% Angolans and 32% other tribes
Other tribes are 2.4% chinese, 2% European, 4% mixed European African and the rest African.

– Economy
One of the fastest booming economy due to oil revenues and stable politics, and increase in its international trading sector. The third after Nigeria and South Africa.

– Exports
Angola’s oil and diamonds are its primary sources of income. The country has even become China’s major oil supplier.

– Education
Its compulsory and free for 8 years. Major problem is lack of buildings and teachers. In conclusion it’s average with Angolan Media Libraries Network distributed accross provinces.

– Accomodation
OK with American modern house style in cities.

– Food
A little expensive in cities as they are imported from Brazil, South Africa. But quite OK in Rural places.

– Transportation
Quite OK. With 243 airports, 8 sea ports, 1,295 navigable inland waterways, 3 separate Railway System (totalling 2,761 km) and 19,156 km of tarred or paved road.

– Technology/Telecommunications
Among the best in Africa with good internet facilities and latest tecnologies and gadget.

– Sport
Normal and a major participants of all sports in Africa and the World at large.
Basketball is the favourite sport.

– Entertainment/ Music
Angolans are lovers of music and every year in September the Sumbe Music Festival is held in Sumbe which is well known internationally.
Cuban, Portuguese and Brazilian style of music are also listened to. Semba Music is a speciality of Angola.

– Peculiarities
Birth place of Dreadlock hair style

– Beauty Rank
Angola is placed No 5 in Africa as country with the most beautiful people.
Himba is the most beautiful tribe.

– Movie
Beyond Average production. And language both in English and Portuguese.

– Night Life/ Clubbing
Quite many in the cities, but few in Suburbs.

– Groups and Clubs
A whole lot like American Women’s and Men’s Association, British Women’s Group, The Angola Field Groups etc.

– Tourism Areas
Quiçama National Park, Fortress of São Miguel, Kalandula Falls, National Museum of Slavery, Cameia National Park, Mupa National Park, Iona National Park, Museum of the Armed Forces, Luiana National Park, Cangandala National Park, valleys of the moon, kalendula waterfalls, coatinha beach, tazua falls, luanda island. Also One of Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders, the Ruacana Falls, is located in Angola.

– Strange Culture
Normal and no particular don’ts. All tribes are welcome. When buying things on the streets or roads don’t accept their first price.

– Safety
Generally 68% safe to live in.

– Places to avoid
Roque Santeiro market, Rocha Pinto, in between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo and crowded places. Most time walk with an indigene who knows the in and out.

– Don’ts
It is illegal to take Angola currency outside Angola.
Photographing government buildings, military sites, and such other structures is illegal in Angola and is penalized.

– General Problem
Little medical care (for travellers make sure you bring mosquito nets)
Corruption, little interest and lack of education staff.

In conclusion I will rank Angola a 51% rate among country to visit for business and pleasure.

Cool thread.

Albania: Interesting Things You Should Know About It as a Tourist and Entrepreneur



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The Republic of Albania is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest,
Kosovo to the northeast, the republic of Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and southeast.

image

Here is all about Albania in Summary:

– Continent/Location
Europe/ South East

– Currency
Albanian lek (1 Dollar= 125 Lek)
Currency Rank 96 out of 276 (2016)

– Political System
Parliamentary Democracy, similar to Democracy.

– Establishment
28 November 1912. Became a Republic in 1991.

– Capital
Tirana represents its financial and industrial heartland, with a metropolitan population of almost 800,000.

– Total Area
Albania has a total area of 28,748 km2. Ranked 142 out of 249.

– Population
3.196 million in 2015, Population Rank 139 out of 249.

– Major Religion
Muslim – 59%,
Christian – 28%.

– Climate
‎Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers

– Borders
It shares boarder with Montenegro, Macedonia.

– Friends of the country
Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Macedonia, Switzerland, China.

– Population distribution
Under the age of 18 years – 40%
Above 18 years – 60%

– Male – Female Ratio
Male – Roughly 1.519million
Female – 1.581million (estimate)

– Ethnic Groups
N/A

– Language
Official – Pasto and Dari ( Afghanistan Persian Language)
Others are – Baluchi, Pashai , Nuristani.
Local Languages – Tosk and Gheg.
Also English, Italian, Greek, French and German are spoken in many parts.
It is the most polyglot country.

English Speaking Places
It is popular all over Albania.

– French Speaking Places
Spoken in many places.

– Administrative/Divison
It is divided into 12 counties which is further divided to 62 Municipalities and 2980 villages or localities.

– Natural Resources
It is rich in mineral resources, notably petroleum, natural gas, coal,bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, and salt. Agricultural processing, oil, mining, and the manufacture of textiles, clothing, lumber, cement, and chemicals are among the leading industries.

– Major Occupation
Agriculture

– Major Source of Income
Agriculture

– Demographics/Composition
80% Albanians and 20% other tribes of the world.

– Economy
It was the only country in Europe, together with San Marino and Liechtenstein, to have economic growth; Albanian GDP real growth was 3.7%. Year after year, the tourism sector has gained a growing share in the country’s GDP.

– GDP Rank
96th

– Population Below Poverty Level
10.2% of total population.

– Unemployment Rate
13.3%

– Average Salary
$430 monthly

– Public Debt
$7.825 billion (December 2014 )

– Exports
135th largest exporter in the world. Major exports are Textiles and Footwear; Asphalt, metals and metallic ores, Crude Oil; Vegetables, Fruits, Tobacco

– Import
Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

– Major Industries
perfumes and cosmetic products, food and tobacco products; textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydro power.

– Ease of Doing Business Rank
Ranked 68 among 214 Countries.

– Education
Literacy rate hovers at around 99%. The higher education system in Albania consists of eight universities and two academies.

– Accomodation/Housing
Good availability and great savings for apartment rentals in Albania.

– Food
Food is generally cheap and surplus. The main meal of the Albanians is lunch, which usually consists of gjellë (stew)

– Cost of Living
It is generally low compared to other countries. Cost of living in Albania is 63.62% lower than in USA.

– Transportation
Transportation in Albania has undergone some advance positive changes in the last 2 decades.
Total Road – 18,000km
Paved Road – 12,050km
Total Airports – 8
Total Railway network – 447km

– Technology/Telecommunications
Developed and advance

– Sport
Lovers of major sports like Soccer, Cricket, basketball and so on.
Major sport is Football.

– Entertainment
Still in a developing state and not as common like other countries.

– Music
N/A

– Peculiarities
N/A

– Beauty Rank
N/A

– Movie
Developed and Modern

– Night Life/ Clubbing
Normal

– Groups and Clubs
N/A

– Tourism Areas
N/A

– Strange Culture
It’s Normal

– Life Expectancy
77.35 years

– Safety
Most areas are safe to live in and adhere to local customs and avoid offending people.

– Places to avoid
Most time walk with an indigene who knows the in and out.

– Dos and Don’ts
No special don’ts

– General Problem
Environmental Issues.
High crime rate.

– Amazing Facts
_ Albanians nod their head up and down to mean ‘no’, and shake it from side to side for ‘yes’.

_ Sometimes Albanians add an extra zero to the end of numbers

_ Mother Teresa was an Albanian

_ Don’t look both ways before crossing the street in Tirana, look every way.

_ Albania is one of the largest exporter of Cannabis in Europe.

_ You can hardly get there by train or bus from other European countries; even those close to it.

_ Tirana is a cool and colorful capital city.

_ Shopping in Tirana is pretty cool and cheap.

_ It is one of Europe’s most mountainous country.

In conclusion, I will rank Albania a little above average among countries to visit for business and pleasure. These facts are based on or before 2016 survey as some of the things might change.

I believe there must still be something left out. Please feel free to comment.