Menu
Afghan flag

Afghan Scorecard

Country profile

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South-Central Asia, characterized by its rugged mountains, arid valleys, and a strategic crossroads along ancient trade routes. It has a population of 41.5 million, a population growth rate of 2.14%, and a median age of 16.94 years.

Historically, the region has seen successive influences from Persian empires, Greek conquests, and Islamic dynasties that have all left their mark on local traditions.

Today, Afghanistan is known for its diverse ethnic communities and enduring cultural heritage, as well as ongoing efforts toward reconstruction and stability.

Its capital city is Kabul.

How does Afghanistan compare to other countries?

Explore country scorecards:

Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Afghanistan improved by 4.2% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Afghanistan improved by 5.0% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Afghanistan improved by 42.2% from 2023 to 2024

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Afghanistan improved by 0.6% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Afghanistan improved by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development in Afghanistan worsened by 2.1% from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Afghanistan worsened by 3.2% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Afghanistan worsened by 7.4% from 2022 to 2023

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Afghanistan improved by 33.2% from 2021 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in Afghanistan worsened by 16.7% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Afghanistan improved by 2.5% from 2022 to 2023

Homicide Rate in Afghanistan improved by 39.0% from 2020 to 2021

Government Effectiveness in Afghanistan worsened by 5.7% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Afghanistan improved by 2.4% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Afghanistan improved by 0.6% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Afghanistan worsened by 5.6% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Afghanistan worsened by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Afghanistan improved by 21.0% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption showed no change from 2021 to 2022