Hygienical Study in AFGHANISTAN

抄録

During six months from December 1958 to June 1959, the writer was given with the chance to stay in Afghanistan to study medical conditions in that country.
Afghanistan is situated in northwest of Pakistan, ranging in its latitude from 29N to 39N and in longitude 60E-75E. It is an entirely inland country covering area of ca. 650, 000 km² with estimated population ranging from 8 to 12 millions.
The topography of Afghanistan resembles a hand extended from northeast to southwest with its back upward. Highest peak is around 7, 000 m in height. Rivers except the Kabul River are all inland.
Climate is of arid zone, showing annual precipitation of 317 mm at Kabul. Large precipitation is in 'winter and small in summer. Relative humidity is in summer low and high in winter. Kabul has five months in summer very comfortable for Japanese, being considered as one of the most healthy capitals in the world.
Afghanistan has a composite race structures, having many different races as Afghans, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmens, Hazaras, Nuristanis and others. Greater part of these races is Moslem.
Afghans are of Turk-Iranian type, Tajiks of Persian origin, Uzbeks and Turkmens of Turkish type, Hazaras of Mongolian origin, and Nuristanis are of Indo-Aryan origin. Afghans are settled and nomadic, other races being mostly settled. Greater part of Afghan people is farmer. They are living pre-modern lives.
The houses in Afghanistan are built of mud bricks mainly. Thick wall of mud can. prevent well heat and coldness in dry climate of this country. The accommodation of the. houses is not so suitable for health, but owing its healthy climate, epidemic occurs rarely.