Afghanistan is a country in Southern Asia, Asia. In 2025 it has about 43.8 million people (UN estimate), the 36th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1946Population: 36th
Afghanistanアフガニスタン
Region
Southern Asia, Asia
Population
about 43.8 million (36th)
Area
652,864 km² (40th)
UN member since
November 19, 1946
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Afghanistan in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 43.8 million, the 36th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/2 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 652,864 km², the 40th largest of the 193. That is about 1.7 times Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 67.
Joining the United Nations
Afghanistan joined the United Nations on November 19, 1946.
It was a member before Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Iceland, Sweden.
Think about it
Q1Compare Afghanistan’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Afghanistan on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Afghanistan, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 9 UN member states in Southern Asia. The one with the most people is India.