The first edition of the guide was published in 1998, and (according to the publisher) has proven to be an effective and comprehensive independent information resource for United Nations and NGO aid workers, donors, military, business professionals and travelers, as well as journalists and relief workers from organisations such as the BBC, CNN, TIME, UNHCR, MSF, UNICEF, SCF, OXFAM, and the International Red Cross.

The publisher describes the second edition, published in 2004, as "essential reading for anyone assigned to diplomatic, reconstruction or peace keeping duties in Afghanistan. Packed with completely new material". It is intended to provide those involved in Afghanistan's recovery and peacekeeping process with analysis, background information, and contacts.

Compiled by some of the region's most experienced journalists and aid analysts, this publication contains facts and cross-references. It offers information and insights about such topics as religion, drug trafficking, political agendas, media contacts, landmine clearance, and the environment, as well as practical pointers on how to work and travel in the country.

Sections include:

• Overviews: aid politics - reconstruction / peacekeeping and military intervention - political factions and warlords - media - land mines - refugees - human rights - ethnic & tribal groups - women - history - regional involvement
• Infobriefs: country data - environment - key players - economics - culture - education - drug trafficking - deforestation - children - language & poetry
• Travel: practical travel briefs on Afghanistan and the region - everything from how to recognise a minefield to who serves the best qabuli
• Essential A-Z: clothing & kit - health - security - insurance - photography, filming & reporting - radio & communications - visas - advice for women
• Contacts: aid agencies - donors - embassies - media - policy - commercial
• Inforesources: news - websites - libraries - books - research institutes
• For the Road: Dari & Pashto phrasebooks - glossary