Afghanistan is not short of beautiful and unique places, however I stumbled upon their opium poppy fields and felt flower fields deserved some attention. Currently Afghanistan is the greatest producer of illicit opium (Myanmar is in second place), approximately 92% of the entire world's supply. Production has been on the rise since 20001 after USA occupation. On top of this, they are the largest producers of marijuana (hasish) in the world as well. Poppy makes heroin other other illegal drugs and medications. Afghanistan is now financially dependent on their opium production. Unfortunately the country ranks extremely low in the United Nations Development Programme (173 out of 177) using a human development index involving infant mortality, life expectancy, literacy and nutrition. Of course these factors encourage the production of opium with it's high rate of return on investment. Sadly, as economic gains can improve quality of life, the crops are also creating many new problems including increased addiction of local Afghanis. Wealth distribution has also been altered leaving very young men with money in power resulting in less respect for their wise elders. Corruption and erosion of the law with plenty of bribing is common place. These changes (affected also greatly by war) have created a rapidly changing environment. I suppose only time shall tell the future of this land and their beautiful, yet unfortunate people.
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