Afghanistan located in west of Asia with population over 35,000000, which is governing by Islamic republic government.
People of Afghanistan speak with different languages: Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashtu (official) 35% Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4% the the major religion of afghan people formatted as following above: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1%.
The major ethnic group formation, Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%.
Greeting:
Afghan greeting style is some how different than other cultures, and also greeting style of men and women is different in Afghanistan as well.
Men usually shake hands when greeting one another during an initial meeting as well as in formal situations. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among friends and family members Some may exchange kisses on the cheek. but women greeting has another shape with some similarity.
Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left cheek and then switching to the right cheek. Some will kiss one cheek, but most kiss two or four or even up to 8 times (alternating cheeks). A handshake is common for initial meetings. Greetings between Men and Women in Afghanistan:
If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first. It is common for men and woman to exchange verbal greetings when first meeting in social situations. It generally not acceptable for women to touch men in public in case of not being confident with.
Comunication style of people of Afghanistan: Afghanis tend to favor a mix of indirect and direct communication style. When speaking to elders and members of the opposite sex, the style is mostly indirect
Gender issue in Afghanistan: Work opportunities for women are limited depending on social class.
Afghanistan is a patriarchal society. Women are restricted in many ways by their men and always do what they say.
Women are still expected to do most if not all of the cooking and cleaning, along with the child rearing.
Women are expected to keep their heads covered in public. This is not usually the case for foreign women, but it may be appreciated.
Afghan gestures: Use the right hand to give and receive objects and to shake hands. Thumbs up means OK, cool, positive, good-luck, thanks, you're cool, I agree. Thumbs down means the opposite.
It is polite to take your shoes off when entering homes, offices, and most places of worship
People in Afghanistan having interesting dressing style, for men Afghanistan, conservative suits and shoes are common in most business situations. Dark colors tend to be the norm. Most men wear the traditional Afghan dress consisting of a long shirt and trousers.
For women of Afghanistan, Dress should always lean toward the conservative side. Avoid any tight fitting or revealing clothing. Skirts/dresses should be knee length or longer. Wearing a headscarf is advisable and showing as little skin as possible is best.
Personal space and touching: At least an arm's length of personal space is common when speaking to members of the opposite gender. This space tends to be closer with members of the same gender. Male friends often walk holding hands or with their arms around each other, but men and women hardly ever display any form of physical affection in public.
Socializing in Afghanistan between students: Most students socialize by joining parties and going to each others house.Socializing is more common with members of the same sex.
Social networks are very highly developed and every one respects them. Drinking is highly prohibited, especially in public places.
Smoking is not acceptable inside of the classroom or in front of elders and professors. Dating is very limited and pretty much non-existent. Afghanistan and afghan people of Afghanistan are very kind and hostable both country and people.
