KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Nearly two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population is younger than 24, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said, highlighting the country’s large youth demographic.
In a post on X marking World Population Day, UNFPA said 63% of Afghanistan’s population is made up of young people below the age of 24 and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting them.
The agency said it continues to support young people through initiatives such as the Multipurpose Youth Centre and the Youth Health Line, which provide health education, counseling, and practical skills designed to help youth navigate social and economic challenges.
“To ensure they can reach their full potential, it is crucial to foster an environment that supports their diverse aspirations,” Latika Maskey-Pradhan, UNFPA’s deputy representative in Afghanistan, said.
The figure comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently estimated Afghanistan’s population at 48.6 million in 2026. The Taliban authorities, meanwhile, have put the population at 37.2 million.
Afghanistan is known for having one of the world’s youngest populations. However, persistent poverty, high unemployment, limited access to education, and severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on daily life and work have pushed many young people toward migration or labor opportunities in neighboring countries.
Young women and girls are particularly affected by the restrictive policies, which bar them from secondary and higher education, most forms of employment, long-distance travel without a male guardian, and many public spaces. Rights groups have reported a rise in mental health issues as well as forced and child marriages among women and girls amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
