In the last ten years, Afghanistan has received nearly $60bn in aid, but still remains one of the world's poorest countries.

Bamiyan is one of the most peaceful, and perhaps the most scenic, of the country's provinces. It is also the poorest.

More dangerous parts of the country have benefited from infrastructure projects that can bring long-term benefits.

Bamiyan's relative calm has left the province, once home to the ancient Buddha statues blown up by the Taliban, still largely impoverished.

Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Bamiyan.