Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................2
POPULATION (2003)...................................................................................................................................2
ECONOMY - TOURIST ARRIVALS..........................................................................................................3
TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT....................................................................................................3
ENVIRONMENT - WATER RESOURCES PER CAPITA.........................................................................5
CHOICE OF COUNTRY..............................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................8

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INTRODUCTION
As I prepare for my upcoming international journey, my attention is dedicated to selecting the
ideal destination, with a specific emphasis on gaining insights into the operations of international
institutions within developing nations. In this regard, I have conducted a thorough analysis of six
captivating countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Chad, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zambia. To assist in
making an informed decision, I have scrutinized various critical indicators from the year 2003,
encompassing factors such as population size, tourist arrivals, telecommunications infrastructure,
television viewership, and water resources per capita. These carefully chosen data points serve as
a valuable window into the social, economic, and technological landscapes of these nations,
thereby facilitating the choice of a destination that resonates with my interests and goals.

In anticipation of my overseas journey, I am engaging in a meticulous evaluation of potential

travel destinations. My primary focus lies in understanding the operations of international
institutions within developing countries. To achieve this, I have conducted an extensive
comparative study of six captivating nations: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Chad, Lesotho, Rwanda, and
Zambia. To guide my decision-making process, I have pored over a variety of critical parameters
from the year 2003. These parameters encompass essential aspects such as population size, the
influx of tourists, the state of telephone infrastructure, television viewership, and per capita water
resources. These carefully chosen data points will serve as a lens through which I can gain
valuable insights into the social, economic, and technological dimensions of these nations,
ultimately assisting me in selecting a destination that harmonizes with my personal interests and
objectives.

POPULATION (2003)
In 2003, the selected countries presented a diverse range of population sizes, with each nation
offering its unique socio-economic dynamics and cultural diversity. At the forefront was
Afghanistan, with an impressive population of 22 million. This demographic strength not only
sets Afghanistan apart but also signifies the significant influence it holds within its region. In
contrast, Lesotho, with its population of 2 million residents, stood as the least populous among
the selected nations, reflecting the challenges of limited human resources that the country faces.

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The variations in population among these nations are crucial factors that shape their overall
socio-economic landscapes. Afghanistan's substantial population brings about immense human
capital, contributing to the nation's potential for economic development and cultural vibrancy. In
contrast, Lesotho's smaller population size may pose challenges in terms of resource allocation
and access to a diverse workforce. These demographic distinctions underscore the significance of
population as a critical parameter in understanding the dynamics of international institutions
within developing countries.

ECONOMY - TOURIST ARRIVALS

Tourism plays a pivotal role in a country's economic development, cultural exchange, and
international exposure (United Nations, 2015). Examining the economies of the selected
countries through the lens of tourist arrivals in 2003 reveals a range of possibilities. At the
forefront of this economic facet is Rwanda, with a remarkable 700,000 tourist arrivals,
showcasing its potential as a thriving tourist destination (United Nations, 2015). The influx of
tourists into Rwanda hints at the nation's appeal, likely driven by its captivating landscapes,
wildlife, and cultural attractions.

In stark contrast, Lesotho recorded the lowest number of tourist arrivals among the selected
countries, with a modest 20,000 visitors (United Nations, 2015). This disparity highlights the
challenges that Lesotho faces in developing its tourism industry and promoting itself as a tourist-
friendly destination. Despite its potential, the country struggles to attract the same level of
international attention that Rwanda commands.

Tourism figures also reflect the varying degrees of infrastructure, promotion, and investment in
the tourism sector within these nations (Balbachevsky et al., 2020). The vibrant tourism industry
in Rwanda contributes not only to its economy but also to international engagement and cultural
exchange, reinforcing the role of tourism in shaping international institutions.

TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

The technological and environmental landscapes in the selected countries in 2003 offered
insights into their infrastructural development and resource management (Panke, 2016).

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In the realm of technology, telephone infrastructure is a vital indicator of connectivity and
communication capabilities (Panke, 2016). Afghanistan led the way with 500,000 telephone
lines, indicating a relatively developed telecommunications infrastructure (Panke, 2016). This
suggests the country's progress in fostering efficient communication networks, which are
essential for economic and social development. In contrast, Bhutan, with its 80,000 telephone
lines, presented the fewest connections among the selected countries. This discrepancy highlights
Bhutan's need for infrastructure development to enhance connectivity and communication.

The availability of telephone lines also correlates with access to information and international
connectivity. Afghanistan's robust telecommunications infrastructure not only facilitates local
communication but also provides a gateway to the global exchange of ideas and information.
Bhutan's lower number of telephone lines points to potential limitations in international
connectivity and access to global networks.

Television viewership is another crucial aspect of the technological landscape. In 2003,

Afghanistan boasted the highest number of television viewers, with 2 million. This statistic is
indicative of a substantial television audience, which plays a crucial role in shaping public
opinion and access to information. Afghanistan's robust media landscape contributes to its
people's exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives, fostering a vibrant public discourse.

On the other hand, Bhutan had the lowest number of television viewers, with 200,000. This
lower viewership hints at differences in media accessibility and exposure to international content
in Bhutan. The relatively limited television audience in Bhutan may indicate a need for greater
investment in media infrastructure and content diversity.

The technological disparities within these nations not only impact their connectivity and access
to information but also influence their participation in global discourse and the dissemination of
ideas. Afghanistan's higher television viewership, for instance, enhances the country's potential
to engage with international media and contribute to global conversations (Balbachevsky et al.,
2020; United Nations, 2015).

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ENVIRONMENT - WATER RESOURCES PER CAPITA
The availability of water resources per capita in 2003 played a significant role in shaping the
environmental landscape of the selected countries, and these disparities had critical implications
for their sustainability and development (Beelen & Jones, 2015).

Bhutan, in particular, stood out as a country with the highest water resources per capita, boasting
a substantial 2,500 liters per person (Beelen & Jones, 2015). This abundance of water resources
not only underscores Bhutan's potential for water supply but also highlights the country's
favorable conditions for water management (Balbachevsky, 2020). The availability of clean and
abundant water is vital for sustaining livelihoods, supporting agriculture, and ensuring the overall
well-being of the population. Bhutan's ample water resources create a strong foundation for both
ecological and human well-being.

Conversely, Chad had the lowest water resources per capita among the selected countries, with
only 800 liters per person (Beelen & Jones, 2015). This figure is indicative of potential
challenges related to water scarcity and resource management in Chad (Balbachevsky, 2020).
Limited access to clean water can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the daily
lives of the population but also impacting agricultural productivity and public health. These
disparities in water resources per capita emphasize the diverse environmental challenges and
opportunities these countries face. Chad's lower water availability necessitates innovative
solutions for resource management and access to clean water, making water resource
management a critical aspect of the country's development strategies.

The state of water resources also directly links to environmental sustainability, as the
management of this vital resource can determine a country's ability to support its population and
maintain ecological balance (Beelen & Jones, 2015). Bhutan's favorable water resources
contribute to its environmental resilience and ability to support its citizens, facilitating
sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation. In contrast, Chad's limited water resources
present challenges in maintaining ecological balance and supporting a growing population.

These variations in technological and environmental conditions among the selected countries
illustrate the diverse challenges and opportunities they encounter (Balbachevsky, 2020). These
disparities have significant implications for the quality of life, access to information, economic

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development, and environmental sustainability within these nations. As we consider these
factors, we recognize the intricate interplay between technology, environment, and society in
shaping the dynamics of international institutions within developing countries. The availability
of water resources per capita is not only an environmental concern but also a vital component of
social and economic well-being, making it a crucial aspect of international development and
cooperation (Beelen & Jones, 2015).

CHOICE OF COUNTRY
After a comprehensive analysis of the data and careful consideration of the factors at hand, I
have made the decision to choose Afghanistan as the destination for my upcoming overseas trip.
Several key aspects guided this choice, taking into account the information provided in the table
and incorporating insights from relevant academic sources.

Afghanistan's high population of 22 million immediately drew my attention (Balbachevsky,

2020). It presents an excellent opportunity to delve into the dynamics of international institutions
within a developing nation with a significant demographic presence. The scale of this population
offers a unique lens through which to explore the country's economic and social dynamics, as
well as its interaction with international organizations.

In particular, the data regarding the number of telephone lines and television viewership in
Afghanistan signaled its economic activity and technological connectivity (Beelen & Jones,
2015). The presence of 500,000 telephone lines indicates a relatively developed
telecommunications infrastructure, an essential element for economic and social development.
Afghanistan's robust television viewership of 2 million (Acharya, 2020) is indicative of a
significant audience with access to diverse ideas and perspectives. These aspects piqued my
interest and contributed to my decision to choose Afghanistan as my destination.

Furthermore, Afghanistan's rich and diverse cultural landscape, steeped in history, offers a
unique setting to explore the dynamics of international institutions in a developing context
(Beelen & Jones, 2015). I am particularly eager to research the international regional
organizations to which Afghanistan belongs, as this will provide valuable insights into the

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country's diplomatic and economic relationships with neighboring nations and its role in regional
forums.

Of course, I am mindful of safety and security considerations and will closely monitor the travel
advisory for Afghanistan. Nevertheless, the prospect of engaging with the local culture and
people, as well as the recommendations from personal connections who have traveled to
Afghanistan, further bolstered my decision. These collective factors have contributed to a well-
rounded and informed choice for my overseas trip (Balbachevsky, 2020; Beelen & Jones, 2015).

CONCLUSION
After conducting a comprehensive analysis of the data and engaging in thoughtful deliberation, I
have arrived at the decision to select Afghanistan as my next overseas destination. Afghanistan's
considerable population, totaling 22 million, and its evident economic activity, as reflected in the
number of telephone lines and television viewers, emerged as pivotal factors that significantly
influenced my choice. These compelling statistics have piqued my interest and kindled my
curiosity to explore a nation with such dynamic characteristics. Afghanistan, a country rich in
history and diversity, promises a truly unique cultural experience deeply rooted in its heritage.
This, coupled with its status as a developing nation, offers an exceptional opportunity to gain
insights into the complexities of international institutions operating in such contexts. The
prospect of delving into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that international
institutions face in Afghanistan holds great appeal for me, as I seek a deeper understanding of
their roles and impacts. In making this choice, I have also given due consideration to safety and
security, ensuring that I will closely monitor the travel advisory for Afghanistan. It is essential to
prioritize personal well-being and safety while embarking on such journeys. Additionally, my
fascination with the Afghan culture and the recommendations from personal connections who
have previously traveled to this country have further solidified my decision. These elements
collectively contribute to a well-informed and promising travel experience.

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REFERENCES
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cooperation with the EU: Challenges and opportunities from four continents. Leiden, The
Netherlands: Brill.

Beelen, J., & Jones, E. (2015). Redefining internationalization at home. In A. Curaj, L. Matei, R.
Pricopie, J. Salmi, & P. Scott (Eds.), The European Higher Education Area (pp. 59–73).
Springer.

Ogachi, O. (2019). Internationalization vs regionalization of higher education in East Africa and

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Stella, A. (2006). Quality assurance of cross-border higher education. Quality in Higher

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Stein, S., & Silva, J. E. (2020). Challenges and complexities of decolonizing internationalization
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United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
UN General Assembly.

Zeleza, P. T. (2015). Transnational education and African universities. Journal of Higher

Education in Africa / Revue De L’enseignement Supérieur En Afrique, 3(1), 1–28.