Afghanistan/Society

Society in Afghanistan

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
41.5M(2023)
Population Growth
2.1%(2023)
Fertility Rate
4.84(2023)
Death Rate
5.8 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-44.1K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
66.0 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
55.5 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
521 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
23.1%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
37%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
26.8%(1993)
Secondary Enrollment
57%(2018)
Tertiary Enrollment
10.9(2020)
Education Expenditure
4.3%(2017)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
17.7%(2023)
Access to Electricity
85.3%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
82.2%(2022)
Urban Population
11.2M(2023)
Rural Population
30.3M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Afghanistan

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Afghanistan has an estimated population of 41.5M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.1%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The elevated fertility rate of 4.8 births per woman
    2023
    contributes to a young population, presenting both opportunities for future growth and demands on educational and health services. Net emigration of approximately 44K individuals annually (or 1.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 66.0 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (55.5 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (521 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a substantial health investment, with 23.1% of GDP allocated to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Critical educational challenges are highlighted by the low literacy rate of 37%
    2021
    , necessitating immediate and sustained interventions to improve foundational education. Complementing this, educational access remains notably limited with 27% primary enrollment
    1993
    , pointing to fundamental infrastructure, accessibility, and retention barriers across the educational system. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.3% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2017
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (73% rural population
    2023
    ) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 85% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2023
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.