Afghan laborers install scaffolding on a building under construction in downtown Kabul in 2004. Economic conditions in Afghanistan have improved dramatically since the fall of the Taliban, but citizens are still plagued by weak infrastructure, even in Kabul, and high national unemployment, last measured at 40 percent.
Set apart by geography and beliefs, oppressed by the Taliban, the Hazara people could be Afghanistan's best hope. Learn all about these unique people in this National Geographic magazine feature story.
See a classic gallery of images from Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, which is now at risk as more and more tourists flock to Jordan's ancient city of stone.
