Afghanistan Population
Middle East & North Africa · 36th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
45,423,415
The population of Afghanistan is about 45,423,415 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 45.0 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.54% of the world's people.
Afghanistan is the 36th most populous of 217 countries and territories. Its population is growing fast — about 2.7% a year, roughly 3,386 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 76.9 million. That is 5.0 times its 1960 population of 9.0 million. Population density is 69 people per square kilometre. 26% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
45.0 million
Yearly change
+2.74%
World rank
36th
Share of world
0.54%
Density
69/km²
Land area
652,230 km²
Life expectancy
66.3 yrs
Births per woman
4.76
GDP per capita
$417
GDP
$17.8B
Population of Afghanistan, 1960–2050
Afghanistan population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 9,035,043 | — | 14 |
| 1970 | 11,290,128 | +2.48% | 17 |
| 1980 | 13,169,311 | −3.56% | 20 |
| 1990 | 12,045,660 | +1.44% | 18 |
| 2000 | 20,130,327 | +1.22% | 31 |
| 2010 | 28,284,089 | +2.98% | 43 |
| 2020 | 39,068,979 | +3.20% | 60 |
| 2024 | 42,647,492 | +2.88% | 65 |
| 2026proj. | 45,047,069 | +2.74% | 69 |
| 2030proj. | 50,039,402 | +2.70% | 77 |
| 2040proj. | 63,347,870 | +2.27% | 97 |
| 2050proj. | 76,885,135 | +1.81% | 118 |
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 3.9 times as many people as Afghanistan. Bangladesh is 19.8 times more densely populated.
Afghanistan population: questions and answers
What is the population of Afghanistan in 2026?
About 45,047,069 (45.0 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Afghanistan's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.74% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Afghanistan?
About 69 people per km², with a land area of 652,230 km².
What will the population of Afghanistan be in 2050?
About 76.9 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Afghanistan?
Kabul.
What is the life expectancy in Afghanistan?
66.3 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.