Rank #1 by World Population
🇦🇫Afghanistan
Afghanistan has a population of 41,454,761, ranking #1 in the world. The capital is Kabul. Located in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
World Bank: Low income
41,454,761
Population
#1
World Rank
66.0
Life Expectancy
$414
GDP Per Capita
Afghanistan, #1 by world population
Afghanistan Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Afghanistan had a population of 9,035,043 in 1960 and 42,647,492 in 2024, a 4.7× growth over 64 years. The peak was 42,647,492 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.50%.
42,647,492
Population (2024)
9,035,043
Population (1960)
42,647,492
Peak (2024)
2.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 9,035,043 |
| 1961 | 9,214,083 |
| 1962 | 9,404,406 |
| 1963 | 9,604,487 |
| 1964 | 9,814,318 |
| 1965 | 10,036,008 |
| 1966 | 10,266,395 |
| 1967 | 10,505,959 |
| 1968 | 10,756,922 |
| 1969 | 11,017,409 |
| 1970 | 11,290,128 |
| 1971 | 11,567,667 |
| 1972 | 11,853,696 |
| 1973 | 12,157,999 |
| 1974 | 12,469,127 |
| 1975 | 12,773,954 |
| 1976 | 13,059,851 |
| 1977 | 13,340,756 |
| 1978 | 13,611,441 |
| 1979 | 13,655,567 |
| 1980 | 13,169,311 |
| 1981 | 11,937,581 |
| 1982 | 10,991,378 |
| 1983 | 10,917,982 |
| 1984 | 11,190,221 |
| 1985 | 11,426,852 |
| 1986 | 11,420,074 |
| 1987 | 11,387,818 |
| 1988 | 11,523,298 |
| 1989 | 11,874,088 |
| 1990 | 12,045,660 |
| 1991 | 12,238,879 |
| 1992 | 13,278,974 |
| 1993 | 14,943,172 |
| 1994 | 16,250,794 |
| 1995 | 17,065,836 |
| 1996 | 17,763,266 |
| 1997 | 18,452,091 |
| 1998 | 19,159,996 |
| 1999 | 19,887,785 |
| 2000 | 20,130,327 |
| 2001 | 20,284,307 |
| 2002 | 21,378,117 |
| 2003 | 22,733,049 |
| 2004 | 23,560,654 |
| 2005 | 24,404,567 |
| 2006 | 25,424,094 |
| 2007 | 25,909,852 |
| 2008 | 26,482,622 |
| 2009 | 27,466,101 |
| 2010 | 28,284,089 |
| 2011 | 29,347,708 |
| 2012 | 30,560,034 |
| 2013 | 31,622,704 |
| 2014 | 32,792,523 |
| 2015 | 33,831,764 |
| 2016 | 34,700,612 |
| 2017 | 35,688,935 |
| 2018 | 36,743,039 |
| 2019 | 37,856,121 |
| 2020 | 39,068,979 |
| 2021 | 40,000,412 |
| 2022 | 40,578,842 |
| 2023 | 41,454,761 |
| 2024 | 42,647,492 |
Demographics
| Population | 41,454,761 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.14% |
| Urban Population | 25.5% |
| Fertility Rate | 4.84 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 66.0 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 49.9 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 37.3% |
Economy & Trade
$414
GDP Per Capita
14.0%
Unemployment Rate
Low income
Income Level
67.6%
Trade (% of GDP)
Health & Education
15.0%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.32
Physicians per 1,000
37.3%
Literacy Rate
49.9
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
85.3%
Electricity Access
15.9%
Internet Users
57
Mobile Subs per 100
63.6
People per km2
-48,958
Net Migration
Environment
1.9%
Forest Area
Afghanistan Climate
Afghanistan has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 331 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
331
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 41 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 61 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 76 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 67 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 24 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 3 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 7 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 5 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 3 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 7 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 13 mm |
| December | 1° / 35° | 24 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Afghanistan
The most comfortable months to visit Afghanistan are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Compare Afghanistan
Afghanistan in global context
Afghanistan is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan has a population of 41,454,761, ranking #1 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.14%.
Life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years. The infant mortality rate is 49.9 per 1,000 live births.
Afghanistan's GDP per capita is $414. It is classified as a low income country by the World Bank.
25.5% of Afghanistan's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 63.6 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Afghanistan is 37.3%.
The most comfortable months to visit Afghanistan are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Afghanistan has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C and about 331 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically July and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 41,454,761 residents, Afghanistan is a country in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan. The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.1% annually.
Afghanistan is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $414. Life expectancy is 66.0 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 4.8 births per woman, and 25.5% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.