Our analysis focuses on shopping in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Leo, let's start with Afghanistan. What's the shopping scene like?
Afghanistan, with a population of roughly 38 million and Kabul as its capital, offers a unique shopping experience. Instead of upscale boutiques, it's characterized by bustling bazaars.
Correct. Bazaars constitute 90% of retail establishments. Imagine the vibrant atmosphere, the aromas of spices, and the thrill of negotiation.
Precisely. It's an adventurous experience. While haggling is common for everyday items, you'll also find beautiful handcrafted carpets and jewelry.
However, modern shopping malls are less prevalent, accounting for only 10%.
Now, let's consider Turkmenistan. With a population of around 5.9 million and Ashgabat as its capital, the shopping landscape differs significantly.
Ashgabat is known for its large, sometimes sparsely populated, white marble buildings, including shopping malls.
While some Ashgabat malls might appear empty, they still offer international brands and everyday goods.
A key difference is the prevalence of modern shopping malls. Turkmenistan has 90%, while Afghanistan has only 10%.
Afghanistan provides an authentic, adventurous experience with haggling and traditional crafts. Turkmenistan offers a more organized setting with international brands.
Both countries offer unique experiences. The choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
For an adventurous experience, Afghanistan is ideal. For a modern, organized environment, Turkmenistan is preferable.
This concludes our analysis of shopping in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. We hope you found it insightful.