Ariana Afghan Airlines (operated by Eagle Aviation) A310-300 F-…

The historic mausoleum of Imam Ali aka Blue Mosque in Mazar-e S…

Belt from Tillia Tepe, with depictions of Dyonisus riding a lio…

Afghanistan

Country Information of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia, strategically positioned at the crossroads of South and Central Asian geopolitical regions. Characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, the country is dominated by the Hindu Kush mountain...

Capital

Kabul

Languages

Dari, Pashto, Turkmen

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Kabul,Balkh,Andkhōy,Faīẕābād,Bāmyān,Sar-e Pol,Zaranj,Fayrōz Kōh,Zarghūn Shahr,Qalāt

Major Cities

What Expats Say About AfghanistanBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Afghanistan. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Afghanistan

Life Expectancy

63.7

Population

40,218,234

Religions

Islam

99.7%

Ethnic Composition

Pashtun

42%

Tajik

27%

Hazara

Uzbek

Aimaq

Climate & Weather in Afghanistan

Loading climate data...

Safety & Security in Afghanistan

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Asia Average

Moderate57/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Afghanistan

Asia Average

Safety Index

Critical

Safety from Crime

Dangerous

Safe Alone (Day)

Low

Safe Alone (Night)

Critical

Safety from Violent Crime

Dangerous

Safety from Property Crime

Dangerous

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Critical

Healthcare Quality

Critical

Emergency Response

Critical

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: No universal emergency number

• Limited Emergency Services: Significant challenges due to ongoing conflict

• Urban Areas: Minimal professional emergency response capabilities

• Rural Areas: Extremely limited medical and emergency infrastructure

• International Assistance: Heavily reliant on NGO and humanitarian support

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 119

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~30 minutes

• Rural areas: ~90 minutes

Hospital System:

Fragmented healthcare system with minimal government infrastructure, heavily dependent on international humanitarian organizations

Major Trauma Centers:

Kabul, Kandahar

Language Support:

Minimal English language support in emergency services

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Afghanistan

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Afghanistan

Photo Gallery of Afghanistan

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Afghanistan

Extremely low cost of living with minimal expenses, though economic instability impacts purchasing power significantly.

Crime & Safety in Afghanistan

High crime rates and ongoing security challenges make personal safety a major concern across the country.

Safety Index: 24.60 | Crime Level: 75.40

Health System in Afghanistan

Limited healthcare infrastructure with basic public services, heavily dependent on international aid and NGO support.

Quality Rating: 3.2/10

Advantages in Afghanistan

Rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic traditions
Strategic geographic location connecting Central and South Asia
Potential for economic reconstruction and development
Young population with growing entrepreneurial spirit

Disadvantages in Afghanistan

Ongoing political instability and security challenges
Limited economic opportunities and high unemployment
Weak infrastructure and limited public services
Restricted women's rights and social freedoms

Government & Politics in Afghanistan

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Economic Overview in Afghanistan

Index

GDP

$20.50B

HDI

0.5

Quality of Life

N/A

NYC baseline: 43

Purchasing Power

17/100

-25 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Afghanistan. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Afghanistan

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

100-300 AFN

Avg: 200 AFN

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

500-1111 AFN

Avg: 805.5 AFN

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

250-300 AFN

Avg: 275 AFN

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

100-500 AFN

Avg: 300 AFN

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

4000-12000 AFN

Avg: 8000 AFN

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

2500-8000 AFN

Avg: 5250 AFN

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

7500-20000 AFN

Avg: 13750 AFN

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

4000-15000 AFN

Avg: 9500 AFN

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

10-30 AFN

Avg: 20 AFN

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

170-300 AFN

Avg: 235 AFN

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

500-2000 AFN

Avg: 1250 AFN

Gasoline (1 liter)

61-85 AFN

Avg: 73 AFN

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

2500-10000 AFN

Avg: 6250 AFN

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

5000-20000 AFN

Avg: 12500 AFN

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

700-1000 AFN

Avg: 850 AFN

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

40-60 AFN

Avg: 50 AFN

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

10-25 AFN

Avg: 17.5 AFN

Eggs (regular) (12)

84-120 AFN

Avg: 102 AFN

Local Cheese (1kg)

200-500 AFN

Avg: 350 AFN

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

500-1000 AFN

Avg: 750 AFN

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

300 AFN

Avg: 150 AFN

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

100-300 AFN

Avg: 200 AFN

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1000-4000 AFN

Avg: 2500 AFN

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Afghanistan

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's transportation infrastructure is severely underdeveloped due to decades of conflict, with a low road density of 0.03 km per sq km and no operational national rail system. Key strengths include 79 airports (9 major) and ongoing reconstruction of highways like Kabul-Kandahar, alongside emerging regional rail links with neighbors. Challenges persist in road maintenance (85% poor condition), limited public transit, and rural access. Residents and visitors rely on buses, taxis, and air travel, driving on the right amid mountainous terrain serving 40 million people.

Public Transport

Poor

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

1.5/10

No metro, rail, or integrated systems exist. Basic buses operate in Kabul (e.g., Millie Bus on limited routes), but coverage is minimal, unreliable, with no intercity trains or mode integration. Rural areas lack service entirely.

Road Infrastructure

2.5/10

Low-density network (0.88 km/1,000 people) connects major centers like Kabul-Kandahar via Ring Road (2,210 km), but 85% in poor condition due to neglect. Limited highways, poor maintenance, inadequate urban traffic management, and safety features amid mountainous terrain.

Internet Speed

2.8/10

Afghanistan has very low average fixed broadband speeds around 10-15 Mbps, with mobile download at ~25 Mbps (Speedtest 2024 data). Limited fiber in urban areas like Kabul; vast rural-urban gap due to poor infrastructure investment and security issues.

Avg: 12.5+ Mbps • Very limited to Kabul and major cities; negligible rural coverage

Airport Connectivity

3.2/10

79 airports total, 9 major for domestic/international flights (e.g., Kabul Intl as primary hub). Limited global routes due to sanctions/security; basic domestic coverage to Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif. No major carrier hubs.

Hubs: Kabul International Airport (KBL)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro system)
Bus Trip: N/A (informal buses ~50-100 AFN/ride in Kabul)
Taxi: N/A (~100 AFN start + 20-50 AFN/km shared taxis)
High-speed Train: N/A (no trains or high-speed rail)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Very limited; pilot deployments in Kabul only, no widespread rollout as of 2026

4G Coverage: Urban coverage in major cities; patchy rural access, ~60-70% population coverage

Networks from Afghan Telecom, MTN, Roshan offer basic reliability in cities but frequent outages in remote/mountainous areas due to infrastructure damage and power issues.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid short-term with IDP (required for non-local). Long-term residents must convert to Afghan license via exam/approval. Drive on right side. Security checks common.

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Work & Business in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's economy is gradually recovering with 2.5% GDP growth in 2024, primarily driven by agriculture, mining, construction, and commerce sectors. However, the business environment remains challenging due to fiscal pressures, limited foreign investment, banking sector fragility, and significant humanitarian needs affecting the workforce. Employment opportunities exist in agriculture, infrastructure reconstruction, and international aid-supported sectors, though youth unemployment remains high at approximately 25%. The startup ecosystem is nascent with limited venture capital and formal support structures, making entrepreneurship difficult despite growing private sector activity.

Employment Rate

35.0%

Low employment rate with significant challenges. Youth unemployment affects nearly one in four young Afghans. High restrictions on women's economic participation and limited job creation in formal sectors. Unemployment increased from 11.7% to 13.3% post-2021. Private sector recovery showing 57% of firms operational in 2023 versus 28% in 2022, but job creation remains constrained by unfavorable business environment and export barriers.

Startup Ecosystem

21.0%

Minimal startup ecosystem with severe constraints. Limited access to venture capital, angel investment, and formal incubation support. Banking sector fragility with regulatory uncertainty and constrained lending activity restricts business financing. International investment barriers and sanctions-related restrictions on financial flows severely limit entrepreneurial opportunities. No established unicorns or major success stories. Government capacity for startup support remains limited.

Average Salary Range

AFN 180,000 - AFN 480,000 annually

Salary ranges vary significantly by sector and experience. Average monthly wages approximately 15,000-40,000 AFN. International aid sector and skilled positions offer higher compensation. Per capita income has stagnated despite economic recovery. High unemployment and underemployment depress wage levels. Cost of living pressures and inflation concerns affect purchasing power, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

Work visa required. EU citizens must obtain employment authorization from Afghan Ministry of Labor. Standard visa processing through Afghan embassies. No special EU Blue Card or preferential treatment available.

Non-EU Citizens:

Work visa required for all foreign nationals. Employment authorization must be obtained from Ministry of Labor. International organization staff and humanitarian workers may have expedited processes. Documentation requirements include employment contract, employer sponsorship, and security clearance.

Afghanistan requires work visas for all foreign nationals regardless of origin. Processing typically handled through Afghan embassies abroad. International humanitarian and development workers often have streamlined procedures through UN agencies and NGOs. Security vetting is standard. Visa timelines variable depending on current security and administrative capacity.

Business Registration

Timeline:

4-8 weeks

Minimum Capital:

AFN 50,000

Business registration conducted through Ministry of Commerce and Industries. Required documentation includes business plan, ownership identification, and tax registration. Minimum capital requirements vary by business type. Process involves multiple government agencies with variable timelines. Online registration systems limited; primarily in-person processing required. Ease of Doing Business ranking reflects significant regulatory challenges and administrative burden.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No formal remote work legislation. Remote work arrangements handled through individual employment contracts. Limited legal framework governing work-from-home arrangements.

Remote work prevalence limited due to infrastructure constraints and traditional business practices. International organizations and NGOs more likely to offer remote arrangements. Internet connectivity and power supply reliability remain significant challenges in many areas. Co-working spaces minimal outside Kabul. Digital nomad culture essentially non-existent. Employer attitudes toward remote work vary; formal sector more traditional.

Key Industries

Agriculture & Livestock

Mining & Natural Resources

Construction & Infrastructure

Commerce & Trade

Humanitarian & International Aid

Telecommunications

Energy & Utilities

Healthcare & Education

Job Opportunities by Sector

Agriculture & Livestock:

Primary employment sector employing majority of workforce. Opportunities in crop production, animal husbandry, and agricultural processing. Growth potential in modern farming techniques and export-oriented production. Challenges from drought and climate variability. Significant employment for rural populations but limited wage growth.

Mining & Natural Resources:

Growing sector with opportunities in mineral extraction, processing, and management. Afghanistan has significant untapped mineral wealth. Positions available for skilled workers and engineers. International companies increasingly involved. Higher wage potential than agriculture but limited local expertise availability.

Construction & Infrastructure:

Expanding sector driven by reconstruction needs and development projects. Opportunities for laborers, engineers, project managers, and skilled trades. International development funding supporting infrastructure projects. Significant employment generation potential. Wages vary by skill level and project funding source.

Humanitarian & International Aid:

Major employment source with UN agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Positions in program management, healthcare, education, and logistics. Competitive salaries often higher than local market rates. Requires language skills and international experience. Significant presence in Kabul and provincial capitals.

Telecommunications & Technology:

Emerging sector with growing mobile phone penetration and internet expansion. Opportunities in network operations, customer service, and IT support. Limited but growing demand for software developers and tech professionals. Younger workforce increasingly entering sector. Potential for growth as digital infrastructure expands.

Healthcare & Education:

Critical sectors with ongoing demand for doctors, nurses, teachers, and administrators. International aid funding supporting health and education initiatives. Opportunities in both public and private institutions. Challenges include limited resources and infrastructure constraints. International organizations hiring for specialized positions.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Afghanistan

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Legal & Administrative in Afghanistan

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Environment & Sustainability in Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces severe environmental challenges characterized by climate vulnerability, water scarcity, and pollution exceeding armed conflict casualties. The country ranks seventh globally in climate vulnerability with limited adaptive capacity, experiencing increasingly frequent extreme weather events including floods and droughts that cost billions annually.

Air Quality Index

Very Poor

2.5/10

Worsening trend

Pollution is killing more people in Afghanistan annually than armed violence. Winter air pollution in Kabul reaches hazardous levels, with limited monitoring and enforcement capacity. Air quality data collection remains sparse due to insecurity and limited resources.

Water Quality

Very Poor

2.0/10

Water security is a critical and worsening problem in Afghanistan. Aquifers and rivers are severely affected by pollution, with limited access to clean water. Kabul faces depletion of groundwater reserves projected by 2030, while urban households have experienced drastic increases in water expenditures, nearly doubling costs per family from 2022 to 2024.

Access to clean drinking water is severely limited. Absence of adequate waste and wastewater management creates severe health implications. Water quality monitoring and treatment infrastructure remain inadequate.

Recycling System

Data on formal recycling infrastructure in Afghanistan is not available. Waste management systems remain underdeveloped, with inadequate waste and wastewater management infrastructure contributing to severe health and environmental problems.

Green Spaces

Afghanistan's forest coverage and protected areas data are limited in available sources. Environmental degradation from decades of conflict has caused widespread land and resource degradation, reducing natural green spaces and wildlife habitats.

Specific protected area data unavailable; environmental governance efforts have been hampered by ongoing insecurity and limited capacity.

Environmental Policies

Afghanistan's environmental governance framework remains weak with a World Bank CPIA rating of 2 out of 6 for policy and institutions supporting environmental sustainability (2024). Efforts to build environmental governance since 2003 have been hampered by insecurity, corruption, and limited financial resources. Climate adaptation efforts have historically focused on rural areas, neglecting urban climate vulnerability.

Key Policies:

•Environmental governance framework development (ongoing since 2003)
•Climate adaptation initiatives (primarily rural-focused)
•Urban climate resilience planning

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy targets not detailed in available sources.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Afghanistan experiences increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather events including heavy rains, floods, protracted droughts, and temperature extremes. These rapid and slow-onset events put lives, health, livelihoods, and assets at risk while straining limited resources and destroying critical infrastructure.

FloodsDroughtsExtreme temperaturesHeavy rainfall events

Climate Change Impacts: Afghanistan ranks seventh on the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index as most vulnerable and least prepared for climate change. Climate-related shocks cost Afghanistan $550 million USD annually in normal precipitation years and $3 billion USD in drought years. Lack of adaptive capacity is the primary driver of climate vulnerability, exceeding exposure and sensitivity factors. Urban areas face increased flood risks from impermeable surfaces and heat island effects. Climatic events and natural disasters have directly caused livelihood-driven displacements, forcing nearly 396,000 people from their homes. Temperature extremes and changing precipitation patterns are intensifying agricultural pressures in a country heavily dependent on agriculture.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

UN-Habitat and international partners are promoting well-managed urbanization and climate-resilient neighborhoods to address interlinkages between climate change, environmental degradation, and living conditions. Strategic interventions aim to enhance climate adaptation and foster resilient communities, particularly addressing urban vulnerability gaps.

Environmental Governance Strengthening

Efforts to rebuild and strengthen environmental governance institutions have been ongoing since 2003, though progress remains limited by insecurity and corruption. Capacity building for environmental monitoring and enforcement is a priority to address pollution and resource degradation.

Water Security and Infrastructure

Initiatives to address water scarcity and improve water management infrastructure are critical priorities. Focus areas include groundwater protection, wastewater management systems, and reducing household water expenditure burdens through improved infrastructure and service delivery.

Wildlife & Nature

Snow LeopardVulnerable

Afghan MarkhorVulnerable

Asiatic Black BearVulnerable

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Geography in Afghanistan

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Noshaq

Lowest Point

Amu Darya

National Flag

Quick Facts for Afghanistan

Population

40,218,234

Currency

AFN

Timezone

UTC+04:30

Calling Code

+93

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

N/A

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Afghanistan

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services