Demography of Afghanistan facts for kids

Afghan man on the cover of a book

Afghanistan is a country in Asia with a rich history and a very diverse population. As of 2011, about 29.8 million people lived there. Many Afghans have also sought safety in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, with about 2.7 million living as refugees.

A Land of Many Cultures

Afghanistan is known for its many different ethnic groups and languages. This means people from various backgrounds live together, and many different languages are spoken across the country. Most people in Afghanistan belong to groups known as Iranic peoples.

Main Ethnic Groups

The largest ethnic group in Afghanistan is the Pashtun. After them, other major groups include the Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Aimak, Turkmen, and Baloch. Each group has its own unique traditions and customs, adding to the country's rich cultural mix.

Official Languages

The two main official languages of Afghanistan are Dari and Pashto. These languages are used in government, education, and everyday life. Many people in Afghanistan can speak more than one language because of the country's diverse population.

Religion in Afghanistan

Islam is the main religion in Afghanistan. More than 99% of the people in the country follow the Islamic faith. Religion plays a very important role in the daily lives and culture of most Afghans.

Images for kids

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  Sport fans inside the Ghazi Stadium in the capital of Kabul, which is multi-ethnic and the largest city of Afghanistan.

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  Population pyramid 2016

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  Young Afghans at a music festival inside the Gardens of Babur in Kabul.

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  An Afghan family from the Pashtun tribe in their home in Kabul

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  A CIA map showing the various Afghan tribal territories

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  Ethnolinguistic groups in Afghanistan in 2001

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  Ethnolinguistic groups in Afghanistan in 1982

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  Afghan politicians and foreign diplomats praying at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

See also

In Spanish: Demografía de Afganistán para niños