Afghanistan
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
With a population of roughly 43.8 million, Afghanistan ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. This landlocked territory spans 652,230 km² with a density of 67 people per km². Its capital is Kabul, and official languages include Dari, Pashto, and Turkmen, while the Afghan afghani serves as the national currency.
Population
43,844,000
Area
652,230 km²
Density
67/km²
World Rank
#36
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 35.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 42.9% of the population is under 15, while only 2.4% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kabul
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Dari, Pashto, Turkmen
- Currencies
- Afghan afghani (؋)
- Calling Code
- +93
- Top-Level Domain
- .af
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+04:30
Population Details
- Total Population
- 43,844,000
- Land Area
- 652,230 km²
- Population Density
- 67 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +385,827 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,057 people
- World Population Share
- 0.54%
- Coordinates
- 33.00°, 65.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $414 classifies Afghanistan as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 13.3%, well above the global average of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
66.0 years
GDP per Capita
$414
Birth Rate
35.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
25.7%
Fertility Rate
4.84 births/woman
Infant Mortality
50.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
13.3%
Literacy Rate
37.3%
Internet Users
17.7%
Under 15
42.9%
Over 65
2.4%
Health Spending
15.0% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
18.8M
15-64 years
24.0M
65+ years
1.1M
Urbanization
Only 25.7% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Kabul, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 74404.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
11.3M
25.7%
32.6M
74.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.0 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 50.4 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 37.3%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has 10 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Afghanistan is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Afghanistan participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 43,844,000 |
| 2030 | 45,397,318 |
| 2035 | 47,394,306 |
| 2040 | 49,456,727 |
| 2045 | 51,588,818 |
| 2050 | 53,794,845 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Afghanistan.
Largest Cities in Afghanistan
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Afghanistan by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Afghanistan?
The population of Afghanistan is approximately 43.8 million as of 2026, making it #36 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Afghanistan?
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan?
The main languages spoken in Afghanistan are Dari, Pashto, Turkmen.
How big is Afghanistan?
Afghanistan covers an area of 652,230 km² with a population density of 67 people per km².
Is Afghanistan growing or shrinking?
Afghanistan is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 385,827 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Afghanistan?
The average life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Afghanistan?
The GDP per capita of Afghanistan is $414.