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Photo: Afghanistan Matters · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Afghanistan
Afghanistan places highest on Ecological Footprint (top 8% worldwide) and lowest on Women's Political Empowerment Index (bottom 1%).
Afghanistan in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
41,454,761
people
since 1950
Land area
652,230
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
1,964
international $, PPP
since 2000
Life expectancy
66.03
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.496
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
13.35
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Afghanistan
Key facts about Afghanistan
- Capital
- Kabul
- Official languages
- Arabic, Balochi, Dari +6 more
- Currency
- afghani (AFN)
- ISO code
- AFG · AF
- Domain · dialling
- .af · +93
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Afghanistan’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
17thof 193
From 2 of 3 key statistics
55thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
131stof 176
From 2 of 4 key statistics
joint160thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint156thof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
176thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
161stof 175
From 3 of 4 key statistics
179thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
190thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
175thof 183
From 3 of 4 key statistics
189thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
196thof 198
From 2 of 3 key statistics
197thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
182ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
No standing — Afghanistan holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
No standing — Afghanistan holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Afghanistan’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Afghanistan in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Afghanistan stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Afghanistan sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Afghanistan does best5
In the top third of all countries measured.
- Ecological Footprinttop 8%
Position · derived 116th of 126 · 1 = worst · 0.773 · 2025
world median 2.296 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2015
- CO₂ Emissions per Capitatop 9%
Position · derived 191st of 210 · 1 = worst · 0.254 · 2024
world median 3.21 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2014
Position · derived 18th of 136 · 63.27 · 2024
world median 40.74 (better)
Position · derived 26th of 190 · 86.87 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▼ 2 pts since 2014
Position · derived 165th of 193 · 1 = worst · 117.17 · 2024
world median 468.81 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2014
Where Afghanistan struggles most38
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 38 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stEgalitarian Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 176th of 176 · 0.016 · 2025
world median 0.321 (worse) · ▼ 26 pts since 2015
- 1st
- 1stOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 2%
Position · derived 150th of 150 · 0 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse)
- 1stGlobal Violent Deathsbottom 1%
Position · derived 1st of 206 · 1 = worst · 112.28 · 2021
world median 4.02 (worse) · ▼ 10 pts since 2011
- 1stWomen's Political Empowerment Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 176th of 176 · 0.028 · 2025
world median 0.772 (worse) · ▼ 14 pts since 2015
- 2ndDeliberative Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 175th of 176 · 0.012 · 2025
world median 0.339 (worse) · ▼ 38 pts since 2015
- 2nd
Position · derived 181st of 182 · 5.086 · 2025
world median 53.36 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
- 2ndGender Development Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 183rd of 184 · 0.66 · 2023
world median 0.971 (worse)
- 2ndVoice and Accountabilitybottom 1%
Position · derived 205th of 206 · -2.183 · 2025
world median -0.022 (worse) · ▼ 15 pts since 2015
- 3rd
Position · derived 174th of 176 · 0.022 · 2025
world median 0.693 (worse) · ▼ 36 pts since 2015
- 3rdGovernment Effectivenessbottom 1%
Position · derived 207th of 209 · -1.969 · 2025
world median 0.101 (worse) · ▼ 3 pts since 2015
- 3rdINFORM Severity Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 3rd of 81 · 1 = worst · 4.5 · 2025
world median 3.1 (worse) · ▲ 3 pts since 2020
- 3rdPhysical Violence Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 174th of 176 · 0.065 · 2025
world median 0.79 (worse) · ▼ 18 pts since 2015
- 4thLiberal Democracy Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 173rd of 176 · 0.018 · 2025
world median 0.353 (worse) · ▼ 26 pts since 2015
- 4thV-Dem Electoral Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 173rd of 176 · 0.069 · 2025
world median 0.497 (worse) · ▼ 29 pts since 2015
- 4thWomen, Business and the Lawbottom 2%
Position · derived 187th of 190 · 31.88 · 2024
world median 81.25 (worse)
- 5th
Position · derived 74th of 78 · 1.767 · 2025
world median 3.246 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
- 5th
- 6thAdult Literacy Ratebottom 3%
Position · derived 167th of 172 · 37.27 · 2024
world median 93.99 (worse)
- 6thEmployment-to-Population Ratiobottom 3%
Position · derived 177th of 182 · 32.46 · 2025
world median 57.72 (worse) · ▼ 13 pts since 2015
- 6thINFORM Risk Indexbottom 3%
Position · derived 6th of 191 · 1 = worst · 7.8 · 2025
world median 3.7 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2016
- 6thLabour Force Participation Ratebottom 3%
Position · derived 177th of 182 · 37.46 · 2025
world median 61.66 (worse) · ▼ 8 pts since 2015
- 6th
- 7thMaternal Mortality Ratiobottom 3%
Position · derived 7th of 195 · 1 = worst · 520.5 · 2023
world median 46.65 (worse)
- 7thGovernment Censorship of the Mediabottom 3%
Position · derived 170th of 176 · -2.547 · 2025
world median 0.565 (worse) · ▼ 42 pts since 2015
- 7thCost of Sending Remittancesbottom 7%
Position · derived 7th of 93 · 1 = worst · 9.024 · 2023
world median 3.225 (worse) · ▼ 52 pts since 2016
- 7thPrevalence of Severe Food Insecuritybottom 5%
Position · derived 7th of 127 · 1 = worst · 31 · 2023
world median 4.7 (worse) · ▼ 12 pts since 2015
- 8th
- 8th
- 8thMean Years of Schoolingbottom 4%
Position · derived 186th of 193 · 2.515 · 2023
world median 9.933 (worse)
- 8th
Position · derived 204th of 211 · -2.043 · 2025
world median 0.171 (worse) · ▲ 3 pts since 2015
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 109 · 1 = worst · 0.36 · 2025
world median 0.039 (worse) · ▼ 16 pts since 2018
- 9thGovTech Maturity Indexbottom 4%
Position · derived 188th of 196 · 0.121 · 2025
world median 0.63 (worse) · ▼ 27 pts since 2022
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 162 · 1 = worst · 44.6 · 2024
world median 13.8 (worse)
- 9thVulnerable Employmentbottom 4%
Position · derived 9th of 182 · 1 = worst · 81.77 · 2025
world median 28.67 (worse)
- 10th
- 10thInternal Displacements by Disasterbottom 6%
Position · derived 10th of 160 · 1 = worst · 1,017,000 · 2024
world median 4,750 (worse) · ▼ 34 pts since 2014
- 10thLearning Povertybottom 7%
Position · derived 10th of 125 · 1 = worst · 93.27 · 2023
world median 34.02 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Afghanistan can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
137th
of 141 · 1990
181st
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
173rd
of 173 · 2012
169th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
146th
of 148 · 2008
168th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 16 of 34 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
100th
of 140 · 1995
108th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
164th
of 172 · 2020
188th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Afghanistan has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index+27 pts since 2012
- Global Militarisation Index+26 pts since 2013
- Political Corruption Index+17 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Afghanistan has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index-59 pts since 2012
- Open Data Inventory-46 pts since 2015
05In context
Afghanistan and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Southern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Afghanistan
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions24
Central Bank Independence Indextop 24%0.746CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
top 24% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Afghanistan 0.746 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
No real change since 2013
Civic Space Ratings191st of 198position · derived7.68Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 4% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Afghanistan 7.68 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)164th of 192rank0.272ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 15% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Afghanistan 0.272 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 9%47.8Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 9% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Afghanistan 47.8 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption192nd of 211position · derived-1.306Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 9% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Afghanistan -1.306 · world median -0.197 (worse)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index169th of 181rank16CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 7% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Afghanistan 16 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment74th of 78position · derived1.767IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
bottom 5% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Afghanistan 1.767 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index188th of 195rank15.72AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 4% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Afghanistan 15.72 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness207th of 209position · derived-1.969Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 1% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Afghanistan -1.969 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
GovTech Maturity Index188th of 196position · derived0.121GTMI score (0–1)2025
bottom 4% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.121 · world median 0.63 (worse)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▼ -27 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index150th of 175position · derived0.143Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
bottom 15% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.143 · world median 0.676 (worse)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index173rd of 176position · derived0.018Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 2% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.018 · world median 0.353 (worse)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory132nd of 168rank43ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 21% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Afghanistan 43 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -46 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index41st of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.769Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
bottom 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Afghanistan 0.769 · world median 0.518 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment92nd of 135position · derived8.744Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 32% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 8.744 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Regulatory Quality195th of 209position · derived-1.437Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 7% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Afghanistan -1.437 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law206th of 211position · derived-1.851Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 2% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Afghanistan -1.851 · world median -0.102 (worse)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators150th of 188position · derived54.39SPI overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 20% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Afghanistan 54.39 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density69th of 139position · derived16.77Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 49% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Afghanistan 16.77 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index173rd of 176position · derived0.069Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.069 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -29 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability205th of 206position · derived-2.183Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 1% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Afghanistan -2.183 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law187th of 190position · derived31.88WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 2% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Afghanistan 31.88 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation7
Crop Production Index44th of 195position · derived121.34Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 22% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Afghanistan 121.34 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +27 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index108th of 145rank-0.818ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 26% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Afghanistan -0.818 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit130th of 179position · derived21.54Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
bottom 28% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Afghanistan 21.54 · world median 35.95 (worse)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index79th of 195position · derived111.43Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 40% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Afghanistan 111.43 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2012
Livestock Production Index157th of 194position · derived95.4Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 19% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Afghanistan 95.4 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -59 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index139th of 139rank1.9LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 1% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Afghanistan 1.9 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)131st of 180position · derived0.429Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 34% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Afghanistan 0.429 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Work & Labour15
Average Weekly Hours Worked128th of 182position · derived35.59Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Afghanistan 35.59 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture22nd of 182position · derived51.63Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 51.63 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry91st of 182position · derived18.9Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 50% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 18.9 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services169th of 182position · derived29.47Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 29.47 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio177th of 182position · derived32.46Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Afghanistan 32.46 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate181st of 182position · derived5.086Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 1% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Afghanistan 5.086 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager144th of 179position · derived9.579Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 20% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Afghanistan 9.579 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Informal Employment Rate24th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst78.88Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 24% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 78.88 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate177th of 182position · derived37.46Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Afghanistan 37.46 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked150th of 182position · derived6.1Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Afghanistan 6.1 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate12th of 182position · derived83.4Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 83.4 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate20th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst13.35Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
bottom 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Afghanistan 13.35 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment9th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst81.77Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Afghanistan 81.77 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate64th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst16.79Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Afghanistan 16.79 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge10
Academic Freedom Index163rd of 176position · derived0.086Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
bottom 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.086 · world median 0.619 (worse)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate167th of 172position · derived37.27Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 3% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Afghanistan 37.27 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling165th of 195position · derived10.79Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 15% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Afghanistan 10.79 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Harmonized Test Scores149th of 172position · derived354.76Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 13% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Afghanistan 354.76 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Learning Poverty10th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst93.2710-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
bottom 7% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Afghanistan 93.27 · world median 34.02 (worse)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School145th of 172position · derived5.053Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 16% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Afghanistan 5.053 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling186th of 193position · derived2.515Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 4% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Afghanistan 2.515 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate153rd of 165position · derived55.44Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 7% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Afghanistan 55.44 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate117th of 164position · derived36.28Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 29% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Afghanistan 36.28 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +14 percentile points since 1981
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 4%62.6615–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 4% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Afghanistan 62.66 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing19
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 1%35.2Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
top 1% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Afghanistan 35.2 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply140th of 155position · derived2,313Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 10% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Afghanistan 2,313 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months18th of 136position · derived63.27Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 13% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Afghanistan 63.27 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index168th of 172rank0.661GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 2% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Afghanistan 0.661 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index9th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.36MPI (0–1)2025
bottom 7% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.36 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2018
Global Report on Food Crises8th of 44position · derived · 1 = worst36In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)2024
bottom 16% of 44 countries measured
Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)
Afghanistan 36 · world median 22 (worse)
Best in the world 3 (El Salvador)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2016
Global Violent Deaths1st of 206position · derived · 1 = worst112.28Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 1% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Afghanistan 112.28 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index146th of 172position · derived0.4HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 15% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.4 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Human Development Index181st of 193rank0.496HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 6% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.496 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate13th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst48.31Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 6% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Afghanistan 48.31 · world median 12.26 (worse)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
INFORM Severity Index3rd of 81position · derived · 1 = worst4.5INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
bottom 5% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Afghanistan 4.5 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Age 65197th of 222position · derived13.33Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 11% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Afghanistan 13.33 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth189th of 222position · derived66.03Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 15% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Afghanistan 66.03 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio7th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst520.5Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 3% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Afghanistan 520.5 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity7th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst31Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 5% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Afghanistan 31 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment12th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst28.1Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 7% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Afghanistan 28.1 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five9th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst44.6Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 5% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Afghanistan 44.6 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate26th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst53.03Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 13% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Afghanistan 53.03 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children14th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst87.6Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 15% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Afghanistan 87.6 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital8
Access to Electricitybottom 23%87.8Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 23% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Afghanistan 87.8 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield112th of 179position · derived2,303Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 38% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Afghanistan 2,303 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Child Marriage38th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst28.7Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 26% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Afghanistan 28.7 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality26th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst34.41Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 15% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Afghanistan 34.41 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index183rd of 184position · derived0.66Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 1% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Afghanistan 0.66 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index156th of 169position · derived0.321IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 8% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.321 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received10th of 130position · derived17.76Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
top 7% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Afghanistan 17.76 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI139th of 156position · derived0.492PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 11% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.492 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions70th of 193position · derived16,159Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 35% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Afghanistan 16,159 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land49th of 121position · derived5.979Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 40% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Afghanistan 5.979 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land42nd of 209position · derived58.44Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 20% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Afghanistan 58.44 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person65th of 206position · derived0.189Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 31% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Afghanistan 0.189 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity165th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst117.17Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 15% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Afghanistan 117.17 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)181st of 190rank0.612ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 5% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Afghanistan 0.612 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita191st of 210position · derived · 1 = worst0.254Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 9% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Afghanistan 0.254 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Ecological Footprint116th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst0.773Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 8% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Afghanistan 0.773 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 24%1.949Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 24% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Afghanistan 1.949 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare168th of 188position · derived6.595Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 12% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Afghanistan 6.595 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area188th of 210position · derived1.853Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 12% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Afghanistan 1.853 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster10th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,017,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 6% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Afghanistan 1,017,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -34 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production51st of 179position · derived2,346,054Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 28% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Afghanistan 2,346,054 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density161st of 188position · derived0.18Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 14% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Afghanistan 0.18 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation30th of 190position · derived86.87Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 15% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Afghanistan 86.87 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index180th of 190rank33.02ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 5% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Afghanistan 33.02 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area150th of 150position · derived0Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 2% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Afghanistan 0 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
No real change since 2015
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita122nd of 181position · derived1,162Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 33% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Afghanistan 1,162 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation26th of 190position · derived86.87Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 13% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Afghanistan 86.87 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress33rd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst54.76Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 18% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Afghanistan 54.76 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector2nd of 171position · derived98.17Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 1% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Afghanistan 98.17 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 35%11.11Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 35% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Afghanistan 11.11 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index102nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst3.7WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
top 47% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Afghanistan 3.7 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 49%105.1Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Afghanistan 105.1 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
Women's Political Empowerment Index176th of 176position · derived0.028Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.028 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index175th of 176position · derived0.012Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.012 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index176th of 176position · derived0.016Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.016 · world median 0.321 (worse)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index174th of 176position · derived0.022Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.022 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -36 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media170th of 176position · derived-2.547Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
bottom 3% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Afghanistan -2.547 · world median 0.565 (worse)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns142nd of 176position · derived-0.924Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
bottom 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Afghanistan -0.924 · world median 1.023 (worse)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indexbottom 5%0.6Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
bottom 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Afghanistan 0.6 · world median 0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index162nd of 176position · derived0.051Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.051 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index174th of 176position · derived0.065Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Afghanistan 0.065 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence29th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst332Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 14% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Afghanistan 332 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index104th of 149rank · 1 = worst75.28GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 30% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Afghanistan 75.28 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index6th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst7.8INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 3% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Afghanistan 7.8 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence204th of 211position · derived-2.043Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 3% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Afghanistan -2.043 · world median 0.171 (worse)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors17th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst1.86Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
bottom 9% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Afghanistan 1.86 · world median -0.661 (worse)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Origintop 1%2,671,560Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
top 1% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Afghanistan 2,671,560 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumbottom 34%382Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
bottom 34% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Afghanistan 382 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 46%20,869Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 46% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Afghanistan 20,869 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -35 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs83rd of 174position · derived · 1 = worst4.739Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 47% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Afghanistan 4.739 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 49%46.1Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 49% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Afghanistan 46.1 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances7th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst9.024Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
bottom 7% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Afghanistan 9.024 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▼ -52 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratebottom 31%-1.181Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
bottom 31% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Afghanistan -1.181 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linestop 14%47.1Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
top 14% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Afghanistan 47.1 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debtbottom 32%13.24Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
bottom 32% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Afghanistan 13.24 · world median 9.376 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▼ -33 percentile points since 2014
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)top 1%588.89Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
top 1% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Afghanistan 588.89 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Afghanistan 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 9%3.157Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 9% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Afghanistan 3.157 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scorebottom 19%19.51Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 19% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Afghanistan 19.51 · world median 48.23 (worse)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 12%12.12Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 12% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Afghanistan 12.12 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2013
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 4%35.44Births per 1,000 population2023
top 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Afghanistan 35.44 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 21%5.797Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 21% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Afghanistan 5.797 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 5%16.94Median age (years)2023
bottom 5% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Afghanistan 16.94 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 3%2.378Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Afghanistan 2.378 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 35%63.85People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Afghanistan 63.85 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 7%2.846Population growth (% per year)2023
top 7% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Afghanistan 2.846 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 5%43.23Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 5% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Afghanistan 43.23 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 20%101.92Males per 100 females2023
top 20% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Afghanistan 101.92 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 6%83.84People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 6% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Afghanistan 83.84 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 4%4.84Live births per woman2023
top 4% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Afghanistan 4.84 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Afghanistan. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution · last seen 2021
- Adjusted Net Savings
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Container Port Traffic
- Debt Service on External Debt · last seen 2020
- Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports · last seen 2020
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) · last seen 2023
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Researchers
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2020
- Foreign Direct Investment Inflows · last seen 2021
- GDP Growth · last seen 2024
- GDP per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- GDP per Person Employed · last seen 2024
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index
- Global Innovation Index
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2017
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2017
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2020
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2019
- ICT Services Exports · last seen 2020
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2020
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20%
- Income Share Held by Richest 10%
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person
- Mobile Phone Ownership
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2020
- Palma Ratio
- Pesticide Use per Hectare
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate
- Prosperity Gap
- Public Sector Wage Bill · last seen 2020
- Research and Development Spending
- Researchers per Million Inhabitants
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2018
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Smartphone Ownership
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Societal Poverty Rate
- Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · last seen 2018
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2020
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- Working Poverty Rate
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2021
07Keep reading
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More countries
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Afghanistan can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 35 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Afghanistan on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Afghanistan: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/afghanistan