Capital of Afghanistan: Kabul
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul. Afghanistan sits in Asia, has a population of 41,128,771, and uses the AFN. Official languages include Pashto, Dari.
Quick facts
- Capital: Kabul
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~41,128,771
- Area: 652,230 km²
- Population density: 63.1 people per km²
- Official languages: Pashto, Dari
- Currency: AFN
- ISO code: AF
How big is Afghanistan?
By population, Afghanistan ranks 36th in the world, holding roughly 0.52% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 40th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Afghanistan has 63.1 people per square kilometre, which is close to the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Afghanistan is the 15th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Afghanistan in population are Poland (39,857,145) and Canada (38,929,902).
By land area, its closest counterparts are South Sudan (644,329 km²) and France (643,801 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Pashto is listed as an official language of Afghanistan alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Afghanistan uses the AFN, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Afghanistan in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Afghanistan belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Afghanistan and a page on the flag of Afghanistan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Afghanistan?
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul.
What is the population of Afghanistan?
About 41,128,771, making it the 36th most populous country in the world.
How big is Afghanistan?
652,230 square kilometres, ranking 40th by land area, at a density of 63.1 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Afghanistan use?
The AFN, which no other country uses.