Afghanistan: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Afghanistan 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Afghanistan: 143
  • Happiness Score Afghanistan:1.721

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Afghanistan. AF.

    Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia, with a population of over 38 million people. It has a presidential democratic republic political structure and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, art, and cuisine. Afghanistan’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with significant natural resources such as natural gas and minerals.

  • Afghanistan is home to the Hindu Kush mountain range, which is not only a significant geographical feature but also has cultural and economic importance for the country.
  • The country has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Middle Paleolithic era.
  • Afghanistan has been a major center for trade and cultural exchange for centuries, due to its location on the historic Silk Road.
  • Afghanistan – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    Afghanistan has a rich ancient history, with the region serving as a vital crossroads for various civilizations and trade routes. The Aryan tribes, including the Bactrians, Parthians, and Indo-Scythians, were among the earliest inhabitants of the area. The region was later part of the Achaemenid and Seleucid Empires before being conquered by the Indo-Parthians and Indo-Scythians.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    The region witnessed the rise and fall of several powerful empires, including the Kushan Empire (60-375 CE), which controlled parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. The Sassanid Empire (224-651 CE) also held sway over the area for a time, followed by the Islamic conquest and the emergence of the Ghaznavid (977-1186 CE) and Ghurid (1149-1215 CE) dynasties.

    Colonial Period

    Afghanistan remained largely independent from colonial rule, but its strategic location made it a battleground for competing imperial powers. The British and Russian Empires vied for influence in the region, leading to the Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839-1919) and the establishment of the Durand Line, which marked the modern border between Afghanistan and British India.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Afghanistan regained full independence in 1919 after the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The country experienced a period of relative stability under King Amanullah Khan, who introduced reforms to modernize the nation. However, internal conflicts, coups, and invasions by foreign powers, such as the Soviet Union in 1979, have plagued Afghanistan’s recent history, leading to civil wars and prolonged instability.

    Current Political Situation

    Afghanistan is currently governed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by the Taliban, which regained control of the country in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces. The Taliban’s interim government includes key figures like Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada as the supreme leader and Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund as the acting prime minister.

    International Relations

    Afghanistan’s international relations are complex and strained due to the ongoing conflict and human rights concerns. The Taliban’s takeover has led to a deterioration of relations with many countries, although nations like China, Russia, and Pakistan have maintained diplomatic ties. Afghanistan also faces regional tensions with neighboring countries like India and Iran.

    Human Development and Economy

    Afghanistan remains one of the least developed countries in the world, with a struggling economy heavily dependent on foreign aid and agricultural production. The country has low scores on human development indicators, with high poverty rates, low life expectancy, and limited access to healthcare and education, particularly for women and girls.

    Cultural Highlights

    Afghanistan is a culturally diverse nation with a rich heritage. Islam is the predominant religion, and the country has a mix of ethnic groups, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. Afghan culture is renowned for its poetry, music, and traditional crafts like carpet weaving and pottery. The country is also home to numerous ancient archaeological sites and monuments, including the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were tragically destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Afghanistan faces numerous challenges, including ongoing conflict, political instability, economic stagnation, and human rights issues, particularly regarding women’s rights and freedom of expression. Opportunities lie in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, promoting reconciliation and peace, and harnessing the nation’s strategic location as a potential trade and transit hub connecting Central and South Asia.

Main facts

Location

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South-Central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. The country’s strategic location along the ancient Silk Road trade routes has made it a crossroads of cultures and civilizations throughout history.

Map References

Afghanistan is located in Southern Asia, positioned within the region known as Central Asia.

Area – Comparative

With an area of 652,230 square kilometers (251,827 square miles), Afghanistan is roughly the size of Texas, the second-largest state in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Afghanistan shares borders with the following countries, with the total border length given in parentheses:

Coastline

Afghanistan is a landlocked country and has no coastline.

Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Afghanistan has no maritime claims.

Climate

Afghanistan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The climate varies considerably across the country, with arid and semi-arid conditions in the lowlands and a more temperate climate in the mountainous regions.

Terrain

Afghanistan is dominated by rugged mountains, with the Hindu Kush range spanning the central and northeastern regions. The country also features vast desert plains in the southwest, as well as fertile river valleys and plateaus.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Afghanistan is Noshaq, a peak in the Hindu Kush mountains, which reaches an elevation of 7,492 meters (24,580 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is Amu Darya, a river located along the border with Turkmenistan, at an elevation of 258 meters (846 feet).

Natural Resources

Afghanistan’s natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semi-precious stones.

Major Bodies of Water

The major rivers in Afghanistan are the Amu Darya, Helmand, Harirud, and Kabul rivers. The Amu Darya and Harirud rivers are shared with neighboring countries. Afghanistan also has several lakes, including the Shor Ghalu, Zor Kul, and Ab-i-Estada.

Natural Hazards

Common natural hazards in Afghanistan include damaging earthquakes, flooding, droughts, and landslides.

Geography – Notes

Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and landlocked position have posed significant challenges for transportation and economic development. The country’s harsh climate and frequent natural disasters have also contributed to the vulnerability of its population. Additionally, Afghanistan’s strategic location has made it a geopolitically significant region throughout history.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 2.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 8,672. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 58.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  33.9391167.709953.
  • Capital: The capital of Afghanistan is  Kabul
  • Major Cities:
    • Kabul – population: 4.6 million
    • Herat – population: 555,000
    • Mazar-i-Sharif – population: 375,000
    • Kandahar – population: 491,500
    • Jalalabad – population: 205,000
  • Population: 38,041,754
  • Area(Km2): 652854
  • Population Density( P/Km²):60. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:93
  • Official Language(s):Afghanistan is Dari 50%, Pashto 35%, Uzbek 11%, other 4% spoken.
  • Currency: AFN

Main Economic Indicators

Afghanistan has a struggling economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around $20 billion and a low per capita income. The economy heavily relies on foreign aid, agriculture, and informal activities. Key economic challenges include political instability, poor infrastructure, widespread corruption, and high unemployment. Notable policies aim to attract private investment, develop natural resources, and promote regional integration.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

5.8% (2021 est.)
5.6% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Afghanistan has not been rated by major international credit rating agencies.

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 20.8%
Industry: 21.8%
Services: 57.4%
(2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins, lambskins, poppies
Industrial Products: Small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, apparel, food products, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, cement, handwoven carpets, natural gas, coal, copper

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 8.923 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

$538 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $784 million (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Pakistan, India, Iran
Main Commodities: Opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems
Imports: $7.13 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Iran, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia
Main Commodities: Machinery and other capital goods, food, textiles, petroleum products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $7.088 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 21.87 tons (2021 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$19,101,353,833. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 9.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 71.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.70. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.43. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 11.12%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: Afghan(s) (noun), Afghan (adjective)

2. Ethnic Groups

– Pashtun: 42%
– Tajik: 27%
– Hazara: 9%
– Uzbek: 9%
– Aimak: 4%
– Turkmen: 3%
– Baloch: 2%
– Other: 4%

3. Religions

– Muslim: 99.7% (Sunni: 84.7 – 89.7%, Shia: 10 – 15%)
– Other: 0.3% (Hindu, Sikh, Bahai, Christian, and others)

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 38.6%
– 15-64 years: 58.9%
– 65 years and over: 2.5%

5. Dependency Ratios

– Total dependency ratio: 69.6
– Youth dependency ratio: 64.3
– Elderly dependency ratio: 5.2

6. Median Age

– Total: 19.5 years
– Male: 19.4 years
– Female: 19.6 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

– Obesity rate: 5.5%
– Alcohol consumption (liters of pure alcohol per capita): 0.01
– Smoking prevalence (ages 15+): 13.9%
– Life expectancy at birth: 64.8 years

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 64.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 43%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:32.49. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 4.47. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 11.21%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 9,797,273. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):78.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The military of Afghanistan consists of the following branches:

  • Afghan National Army (ANA)
  • Afghan Air Force (AAF)
  • Afghan National Police (ANP)

There are also several elite special operations units, such as the ANA Special Operations Command and the ANP Special Operations Unit.

Military Expenditures

Afghanistan’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last 5 years:

  • 2022: 2.5%
  • 2021: 2.6%
  • 2020: 2.8%
  • 2019: 2.7%
  • 2018: 3.0%

Afghanistan ranks among the lower tier of countries globally in terms of military spending.

Personnel Strengths

Total active military personnel: 200,000 (estimated)

  • Afghan National Army: 170,000
  • Afghan Air Force: 8,000

Afghan National Police: 120,000 (estimated)

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Afghanistan’s military arsenal consists primarily of equipment supplied by the United States, NATO allies, and other international partners. This includes:

  • Armored vehicles (M1117 ASVs, Humvees)
  • Artillery (D-30 howitzers, M119 howitzers)
  • Small arms (M16/M4 rifles, machine guns)
  • Transport aircraft (C-208, C-130)
  • Attack helicopters (Mi-17, MD-530F)

Future acquisitions are dependent on continued foreign military aid and support.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service age and obligation in Afghanistan:

  • Voluntary military service allowed from age 18
  • No mandatory military service requirement

Military Deployments

Afghanistan has no significant overseas military deployments.

Afghan forces have participated in international peacekeeping missions under NATO/US command within Afghanistan.

Strategic Military Notes

Afghanistan’s military strategy has primarily focused on counterinsurgency operations against Taliban and other militant groups within the country. The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have relied heavily on training, equipment, and operational support from NATO allies and the United States.

As part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, Afghan forces have worked alongside international partners to provide security and stability, as well as build institutional capacity for eventual self-reliance.

  • Armed Forces Size: 178800. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.28
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 48.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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