Urbanization in Afghanistan. The CIA World Factbook published that 23.5 percent of the total Afghan population is urban. The rate of urbanization is 4.41% annual rate of change. Kabul, the capital, is the largest urban area in Afghanistan at a population of 3.097 million, and it still remains the only Afghan city with a population over 1 million. Urban areas are experiencing rapid population growth since the Karzai administration began in late 2001. This being said, Afghanistan's population is still mainly rural.
Peopling of Afghanistan. Much of the area proves too arid or too high to support human life. The most densely settled areas within Afghanistan surround major city centers, especially Kabul.
Population Patterns. In 1978, with the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, the Soviet invasion the following year, and the conflict surrounding the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, the country's population patterns were severely disrupted. Emigration, mostly to Pakistan and Iran, and internal resettlement to Kabul was caused by civil war and village destructions. Kabul has since doubled in size and encompasses nearly half of the urban population.
In the late 1980s nearly 6 million people, or one-third of the population, were refugees. Although many were sent back home during the 1990s, the number of displaced peoples rose again after 2000 due to continued civil strife and economic hardship.
In the late 1980s nearly 6 million people, or one-third of the population, were refugees. Although many were sent back home during the 1990s, the number of displaced peoples rose again after 2000 due to continued civil strife and economic hardship.
Population Issues.
- The total population adds up to 31,108,077, but it only contains one city with a population higher than 1 million.
- 2.25% Population Growth Rate
- -2.16 migrants/ 1,000 population
- $956 per capita
- Afghanistan is a mostly male-dominated country, and it has the highest birthrate by a substantial margin.