Country Profile: Afghanistan

Afghanistan, located in Southern Asia, is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and is characterized by its rugged mountain terrain and arid to semi-arid climate. The population is estimated at approximately 49.5 million in 2025, comprising a diverse mix of ethnic groups, primarily Pashtun, Tajik, and Hazara. The economy remains low-income, heavily reliant on imports, and has faced significant challenges due to political instability and socio-economic obstacles. Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, the governance of the country has shifted to a theocratic system that has yet to gain international recognition.

Geography

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with an area of 652,230 sq km, featuring rugged mountains, especially the Hindu Kush range, which divides the northern provinces from the south. The climate is generally arid, with cold winters and hot summers, and the terrain includes expansive plains in the north and southwest. Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, coal, and various minerals, but is frequently affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes and droughts.

Elevation: Highest point at Noshak (7,492 m).
Land boundaries: Totaling 5,987 km with six countries.
Agricultural land: Comprises 58.4% of total land area (2023 est.).
Irrigated land: 24,930 sq km (2022).
Natural resources: Includes copper, chromite, lead, and zinc.

People and Society

The population of Afghanistan is projected to reach 49,474,805 by 2025, with a youthful demographic structure—39.6% aged 0-14 years. The country boasts a variety of ethnic groups, with the Pashtun being the largest. Although Dari and Pashto are the official languages, many people are multilingual. The vast majority of Afghans are Muslim, with 99.7% identifying as such. Literacy rates are low, notably 37.3% of the total population, with significant disparities between genders.

Urbanization rate: 26.9% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy: Approximately 54.4 years (2024 est.).
Infant mortality rate: At 42 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.).
Median age: Approximately 18.4 years (2025 est.).
Child marriage: 28.7% of women married by age 18 (2023).

Economy

Afghanistan's economy is classified as low-income, with vulnerabilities exacerbated by ongoing sanctions and humanitarian crises. The real GDP is estimated at $82.238 billion (2023), with a growth rate of 2.3% following a contraction due to the Taliban's takeover. Agriculture is a critical sector, making up 34.7% of the GDP, while the country remains import-dependent, especially for food and fuel.

GDP per capita: $2,000 (2023).
Unemployment rate: Estimated at 14% (2023).
Population below poverty line: 54.5% (2016 est.).
Main exports: Include coal, grapes, and tropical fruits.
Imports: Account for 50.7% of GDP (2023).

Government

Afghanistan operates under a theocratic system following the Taliban's ascension to power in August 2021, and it remains unrecognized by most nations. The country is characterized by an interim leadership dominated by male clerics. The Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law has replaced previous democratic institutions, and while a new constitution was ratified in 2004, it is not currently enforced.

Capital: Kabul.
Administrative divisions: Comprised of 34 provinces.
Legal system: Based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
National holiday: Celebrated on 15 August (anniversary of Taliban takeover).

Military and Security

The Taliban claims control over military and police forces under their respective ministries and emphasizes internal security, especially regarding border tensions and threats from groups like ISIS-K. The military service is voluntary with no conscription, and as of 2025, the Taliban maintains a total force strength of over 400,000 personnel.

Military expenditures: Approximately 3.3% of GDP (2019).
Military equipment: Comprised largely of captured arms from previous Afghan forces.
Service age: Voluntary enlistment with no draft system.

Energy

Afghanistan's energy sector is characterized by a reliance on fossil fuels and hydroelectricity, with significant capacity dedicated to the latter. Access to electricity is improving, with 85.3% of the population reported as having access in 2022. The country is working on increasing its energy production capabilities.

Installed capacity: 627,000 kW (2023).
Electricity consumption: 6.468 billion kWh (2023).
Renewable sources: Hydroelectricity constitutes 77% of total capacity.

Environment

Afghanistan faces various environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and significant pollution in urban areas. The country is part of numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing biodiversity and climate change.

Carbon dioxide emissions: Approximately 7.757 million metric tons (2023).
Urban population: 26.9% in urban areas (2023).
Soil degradation: A significant concern due to overgrazing and deforestation.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes 68 airports and several heliports, facilitating regional and international travel.

Civil aircraft registration: The prefix for aircraft is YA.
Airports: There are 68 in total (2025).

Communications

Telecommunication services in Afghanistan are limited but evolving, with increasing mobile telephony subscriptions. The media landscape has come under strict government scrutiny under the Taliban's rule.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: About 25.6 million (2024).
Internet usage: Only 18% of the population has access (2023).
Fixed-line telephones: Approximately 182,000 subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	49,474,805 (2025 est.)
Area	652,230 sq km
GDP	$82.238 billion (2023 est.)	Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Energy Consumption	3.38 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	35.99 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	14% (2023)
Life Expectancy	54.4 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	42 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Agricultural Land	58.4% (2023 est.)
Electricity Access	85.3% (2022 est.)