Afghanistan is located in Southern Asia, and its capital is Kabul. It has a population of approximately 42,647,492 and covers an area of about 652,870 km². Its official currency is the Afghan afghani (AFN).
What stands out
People & place
65.3 /km² across 652,870 km²
Afghanistan has a recorded population of 42,647,492 and a reported surface area of 652,870 km².
Economic snapshot
$17.15 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $17.15 billion and GDP per capita at $414 for 2023. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Afghanistan, a land of rugged mountains and ancient crossroads, captivates with its rich tapestry of peoples, traditions, and a history that has shaped the heart of Central and South Asia.
Dominated by the towering Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges, Afghanistan’s terrain is a dramatic mix of soaring peaks, deep valleys, and arid plains; the country’s highest point, Mount Noshaq at 7,492 m, towers over fertile river basins fed by the Amu, Helmand, and Kabul rivers that carve life‑giving corridors through the desert.
Afghan culture blends Persian, Turkic, and tribal influences, evident in its vibrant music of rubab and tabla, intricate carpet weaving, and the famed hospitality of tea‑filled gatherings; the cuisine dazzles with dishes like mantu dumplings, kebabs, and the aromatic rice pilaf known as qabuli pulao, while poetry and storytelling remain central to daily life.
A pivotal moment in Afghan history was the 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi, which secured full independence from British India after the Third Anglo‑Afghan War, establishing Afghanistan as a sovereign nation and setting the stage for its modern political evolution.
Key facts
Afghanistan is home to the world’s oldest known Buddhist site, the Bamiyan Buddhas, carved in the 6th century before their destruction in 2001.
Population (2023): approximately 42 million people; Area: 251,830 km², making it the 42nd largest country by land area.
The country’s official languages, Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto, are spoken by the majority, but over 40 languages and dialects thrive within its borders.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Afghanistan has a recorded population of approximately 42,647,492 people.
How big is Afghanistan?
Afghanistan covers an area of about 652,870 km².
What is the population density of Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has a population density of roughly 65.3 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $17.15 billion as of 2023.
What is the GDP per capita of Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has a GDP per capita of approximately $414.
What currency is used in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan uses the Afghan afghani (AFN), with the symbol ؋.
Where is Afghanistan located?
Afghanistan is located in Southern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Afghanistan?
The native name of Afghanistan is افغانستان.
What are people from Afghanistan called?
People from Afghanistan are referred to as Afghan.
What is the phone calling code for Afghanistan?
The international dialing code for Afghanistan is +93.
What is the internet domain for Afghanistan?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Afghanistan is .af.
What time zone is Afghanistan in?
Afghanistan uses the Asia/Kabul time zone.
What is Afghanistan known for?
Afghanistan, a land of rugged mountains and ancient crossroads, captivates with its rich tapestry of peoples, traditions, and a history that has shaped the heart of Central and South Asia.
Southern Asia