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Afghanistan

Photo: Afghanistan Matters · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Dudipat Panorama, For
Pakistan

Photo: Shikari7 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Afghanistan and Pakistan

Afghanistan and Pakistan compared on 282 statistics from 55 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Afghanistan is placed joint 175th and Pakistan is placed 157th of 183 countries.

Share

Country Index 2026 · standing

175thAfghanistan · jointof 183 placed · would sit between 172nd and 179th if any one key statistic were dropped
157thPakistanof 183 placed · would sit between 152nd and 159th if any one key statistic were dropped

A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026

At a glance

  • Population6.0×

    Afghanistan: 41,454,761people

    Pakistan: 247,504,495people

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Land area1.2×

    Afghanistan: 652,230km²

    Pakistan: 770,880km²

    2024 · FAO

  • GDP per person

    Afghanistan: 1,9642024 · international $, PPP

    Pakistan: 5,6172025 · international $, PPP

    World Bank Group

  • Life expectancy

    Afghanistan: 66.03years at birth

    Pakistan: 67.65years at birth

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Human development

    Afghanistan: 0.496HDI, 0–1

    Pakistan: 0.544HDI, 0–1

    2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office

  • Unemployment

    Afghanistan: 13.35% of the labour force

    Pakistan: 5.42% of the labour force

    2025 · ILO

The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.

01The answer first

In short

Pakistan’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: Afghanistan 1,964 and Pakistan 5,617 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2024 and 2025).

Pakistan has 6.0 times as many people, and 1.2 times the land area.

Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on paid maternity leave (0 and 112, World Bank Group 2025), cost of sending remittances (9.024 and 2.139, World Bank Group 2023) and livestock production index (95.4 and 125.3, FAO 2022). They are closest on political stability (-2.043 and -1.951, World Bank Group 2025), infant mortality rate (48.31 and 48.21, UN IGME 2024) and learning-adjusted years of school (5.053 and 5.079, World Bank Group 2020).

For 57 of the 282 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.

Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.

02Country Index 2026

Subject by subject in the Country Index

Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.

The full index
  1. Governance & Institutions179th · 136th of 194
  2. Economy & Innovation131st · 159th of 176
  3. Work & Labour182nd · 136th of 182
  4. Education & Knowledge— · joint 176th of 198Afghanistan has no standing on Education & Knowledge: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 4 key statistics a standing needs.
  5. Health & Wellbeing190th · 170th of 200
  6. Development & Human Capital189th · 154th of 196
  7. Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 97th · 86th of 186
  8. Gender & Equality175th · 171st of 183
  9. Democracy & Civil Liberties190th · joint 145th of 198
  10. Peace & Securityjoint 160th · 168th of 177
  11. Risk & Resilience178th · 189th of 193
  12. Mobility & Trade— · 107th of 177Afghanistan has no standing on Mobility & Trade: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 4 key statistics a standing needs.
  13. Food & Agriculture155th · 147th of 184
  14. Poverty & Inequality— · 93rd of 159Afghanistan has no standing on Poverty & Inequality: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
  15. Energy16th · 90th of 165
  16. Digital & Technology194th · 54th of 198

Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.

03The evidence

Every statistic, subject by subject

282 statistics measure both countries; 6 more measure only Afghanistan and 95 only Pakistan. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.

All statistics

Governance & Institutions

Afghanistan:179thPakistan:136thof 194

Afghanistan on Governance & Institutions →Pakistan on Governance & Institutions →

Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from

  1. Corruption Perceptions Index

    Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.

    9dashed: the middle country, 3989

    Afghanistan: 16169th of 181 · rank

    Pakistan: 28136th of 181 · rank

  2. Government Effectiveness

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.

    -2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092

    Afghanistan: -1.969

    Pakistan: -0.606

  3. Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.

    0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988

    Afghanistan: 0.143

    Pakistan: 0.499

  4. Statistical Performance Indicators

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.

    27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14

    Afghanistan: 54.39

    Pakistan: 68.06

Governance & Institutions: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 26AfghanistanPakistan
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better9.488202575th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst15.9202251st of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end0.7460.811
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better0.420195.22021
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better0.272164th of 192 · rank0.31142nd of 192 · rank
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better47.8202342.22018
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.306192nd of 211 · position · derived-1.069178th of 211 · position · derived
Country Policy and Institutional AssessmentWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better1.76774th of 78 · position · derived3.30830th of 78 · position · derived
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better13.620199.52022
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.027176th of 176 · position · derived0.11166th of 176 · position · derived
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better12.25202560th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst21.6202235th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better11.75
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.018173rd of 176 · position · derived0.176116th of 176 · position · derived
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.278158th of 176 · position · derived0.18396th of 176 · position · derived
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.89920th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.6661st of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better24.7201917.42022
Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better43132nd of 168 · rank42135th of 168 · rank
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.76941st of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.80232nd of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end8.744201992nd of 135 · position · derived8.061202095th of 135 · position · derived
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.437195th of 209 · position · derived-0.918176th of 209 · position · derived
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-3.195175th of 176 · position · derived-1.336154th of 176 · position · derived
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end9.69920250.2482022
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better79.578.93
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better-1.046158th of 166 · position · derived0.012120th of 166 · position · derived
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.861165th of 176 · position · derived-1.716176th of 176 · position · derived
Trade Union DensityILO · years differ · Higher is better16.77201969th of 139 · position · derived4.7292016129th of 139 · position · derived
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-2.183205th of 206 · position · derived-1.128161st of 206 · position · derived

Measured for Pakistan only: Business Ready: Operational Efficiency · Business Ready: Public Services · Business Ready: Regulatory Framework · Debt Service on External Debt · External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) · Foundational ID Ownership · General Government Consumption

Economy & Innovation

Afghanistan:131stPakistan:159thof 176

Afghanistan on Economy & Innovation →Pakistan on Economy & Innovation →

Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from

  1. Account Ownership at a Financial Institution

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.

    14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 27.3

  2. Economic Complexity Index

    Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.

    -3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729

    Afghanistan: -0.818108th of 145 · rank

    Pakistan: -0.23389th of 145 · rank

  3. Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.

    2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52

    Afghanistan: 21.542025

    Pakistan: 2.1132022

  4. GDP per Capita (PPP)

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.

    1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 5,617

Economy & Innovation: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 18AfghanistanPakistan
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end95.2328.57
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end-1.0360.265
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better121.3444th of 195 · position · derived104.13109th of 195 · position · derived
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.3710.203
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better43.76202585th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst44.61202280th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better8.504202519.642022
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better111.4379th of 195 · position · derived122.4339th of 195 · position · derived
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better0.108166th of 170 · position · derived0.328121st of 170 · position · derived
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better1,358159th of 166 · position · derived5,532115th of 166 · position · derived
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better95.4157th of 194 · position · derived125.337th of 194 · position · derived
Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better50.172025102nd of 169 · position · derived38.092022159th of 169 · position · derived
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better25.75180th of 195 · position · derived33157th of 195 · position · derived
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end2,68666,422
Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end3.3192.222
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end393.19570.45
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end96.75152.2
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end0.429131st of 180 · position · derived1.436103rd of 180 · position · derived
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better0.611.94

Measured for Pakistan only: Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP) · Adjusted Net Savings · Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Comprehensive Wealth per Capita · Container Port Traffic · Creative Goods Exports · Creative Services Exports · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Foreign Direct Investment Inflows · Foreign Value Added Share of Gross Exports · GDP Growth · Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID) · Global Innovation Index · GNI per Capita (PPP) · Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · Gross Savings (% of GDP) · Household Consumption · ICT Services Exports · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Inflation, GDP Deflator · Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate) · Interest Payments on External Debt · Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · Merchant Fleet by Country of Ownership · New Business Density · Price Level of Household Consumption · Research and Development Spending · Researchers per Million Inhabitants · Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate · Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · Tax Revenue (% of GDP) · Trade (% of GDP)

Work & Labour

Afghanistan:182ndPakistan:136thof 182

Afghanistan on Work & Labour →Pakistan on Work & Labour →

Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from

  1. Employment-to-Population Ratio

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.

    21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9

    Afghanistan: 32.46

    Pakistan: 49.5

  2. Labour Income Share

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9.691 to 75.13; the middle country is at 46.23.

    9.691dashed: the middle country, 46.2375.13

    Afghanistan: 40.77

    Pakistan: 49.83

  3. Unemployment Rate

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.

    0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2

    Afghanistan: 13.35

    Pakistan: 5.42

  4. Vulnerable Employment

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.

    0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22

    Afghanistan: 81.77

    Pakistan: 55.51

Work & Labour: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 16AfghanistanPakistan
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end35.59128th of 182 · position · derived47.639th of 182 · position · derived
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better5.484.83
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end51.6322nd of 182 · position · derived36.2343rd of 182 · position · derived
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end18.991st of 182 · position · derived25.2641st of 182 · position · derived
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end29.47169th of 182 · position · derived38.51154th of 182 · position · derived
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better4.220192.82021
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better5.086181st of 182 · position · derived24.05169th of 182 · position · derived
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better37.1320255.92022
Informal Employment RateILO · years differ · Lower is better78.88202123rd of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst88.3520259th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better37.46177th of 182 · position · derived52.34147th of 182 · position · derived
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better6.1150th of 182 · position · derived7.16143rd of 182 · position · derived
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better0112
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better00
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end83.412th of 182 · position · derived5749th of 182 · position · derived
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better1.7201902022
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better16.7964th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.594115th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for Pakistan only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · GDP per Person Employed · Human Capital Wealth per Capita · Working Poverty Rate

Education & Knowledge

Afghanistan:no standingPakistan:joint 176thof 198

Pakistan on Education & Knowledge →

Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from

  1. Government Spending on Education

    UIS · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.

    0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 1.947

  2. Out-of-School Rate, Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.

    0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 17.932024

  3. Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.

    3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 50.912024

  4. Upper Secondary Completion Rate

    UIS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.

    2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 38.95

Education & Knowledge: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 12AfghanistanPakistan
Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.086163rd of 176 · position · derived0.268132nd of 176 · position · derived
Adult Literacy RateUIS · 2021 · Higher is better37.27167th of 172 · position · derived58.86156th of 172 · position · derived
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better10.79165th of 195 · position · derived7.895187th of 195 · position · derived
Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better354.76149th of 172 · position · derived338.66160th of 172 · position · derived
Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.508201142nd of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.557201319th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · years differ · Lower is better93.27201310th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst79.54201923rd of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better5.053145th of 172 · position · derived5.079144th of 172 · position · derived
Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better42.75138th of 164 · position · derived55.89121st of 164 · position · derived
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better2.515186th of 193 · position · derived4.317177th of 193 · position · derived
Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better55.44153rd of 165 · position · derived59.46151st of 165 · position · derived
Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary CompletionUIS · years differ · Closer to 1 is better0.1820220.1552018
Youth Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better62.66202273.132021

Measured for Pakistan only: Female Share of Researchers · Gender Parity Index, Tertiary Enrolment · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Primary · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Primary · Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of Birth · Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary Age · Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · Primary Schools with Electricity · Primary Schools with Internet for Teaching · Qualified Teachers in Primary Education · School Life Expectancy · Secondary School Enrolment · Tertiary Enrolment Ratio

Health & Wellbeing

Afghanistan:190thPakistan:170thof 200

Afghanistan on Health & Wellbeing →Pakistan on Health & Wellbeing →

Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from

  1. Life Expectancy at Birth

    UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.

    54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37

    Afghanistan: 66.03

    Pakistan: 67.65

  2. Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.

    0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1

    Afghanistan: 31

    Pakistan: 10.1

  3. Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five

    UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.

    0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8

    Afghanistan: 44.62022

    Pakistan: 37.632018

  4. Under-Five Mortality Rate

    UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.

    1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65

    Afghanistan: 53.03

    Pakistan: 55.96

Health & Wellbeing: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 44AfghanistanPakistan
Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better64.0751st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst41.0983rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better201.1151st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst166.4276th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better94.247th of 144 · position · derived87.4735th of 144 · position · derived
Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better33.42023148th of 153 · position · derived52.42019131st of 153 · position · derived
Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end5.7202323.12019
Care-Seeking for Children with Symptoms of PneumoniaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better45.32023105th of 127 · position · derived71.1201855th of 127 · position · derived
Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end26.9320164.4692015
Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better0.40.31
Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end19.126
Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better61.8123.68
Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better48.3165th of 196 · position · derived54145th of 196 · position · derived
Early Initiation of BreastfeedingUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better47.71202286th of 136 · position · derived19.562018132nd of 136 · position · derived
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better63.27202218th of 136 · position · derived47.84201850th of 136 · position · derived
Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end0.381.35
Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better39.9224.05
Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better0.661168th of 172 · rank0.536145th of 172 · rank
Global Multidimensional Poverty IndexOPHI · years differ · Lower is better0.3620239th of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.198201831st of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Report on Food CrisesFSIN · 2024 · Lower is better368th of 44 · position · derived · 1 = worst3210th of 44 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better0.4146th of 172 · position · derived0.406142nd of 172 · position · derived
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better6186
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better5684
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better48.3113th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst48.2114th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
INFORM Severity IndexACAPS · 2025 · Lower is better4.53rd of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst416th of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better66.32023702020
Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better13.33197th of 222 · position · derived13.8180th of 222 · position · derived
Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better1.38916.84
Malaria Incidence (P. vivax)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better32.3739.88
Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum)MAP · 2024 · Lower is better0.3883.919
Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end6.3921.24
Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better14.792022104th of 115 · position · derived14.972018103rd of 115 · position · derived
Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end16.919.9
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better9.26131st of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst5.77152nd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better33.146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst36.13rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Oral Rehydration Salts for Children with DiarrhoeaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better32.62023100th of 127 · position · derived37.4201879th of 127 · position · derived
Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better4.382110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.07152nd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better31.730th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst51.14th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Postnatal Care for Newborns Within Two DaysUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better34.2202397th of 109 · position · derived63.9201879th of 109 · position · derived
Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better77.87th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst22.966th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better28.112th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst16.534th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better48.7320224th of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst38.42201813th of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better7246
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better28.027th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst27.559th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better63.4130.43
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better3.633202279th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst7.091201839th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for Afghanistan only: Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · Children with Functional Difficulties · Violent Discipline of Children

Measured for Pakistan only: Cost of a Healthy Diet · HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Pesticide Use per Hectare

Development & Human Capital

Afghanistan:189thPakistan:154thof 196

Afghanistan on Development & Human Capital →Pakistan on Development & Human Capital →

Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from

  1. Human Development Index

    UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.

    0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972

    Afghanistan: 0.496181st of 193 · rank

    Pakistan: 0.544168th of 193 · rank

  2. Maternal Mortality Ratio

    MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.

    0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83

    Afghanistan: 520.5

    Pakistan: 155.03

  3. Social Protection Coverage

    ILO · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 52.1.

    0dashed: the middle country, 52.1100

    Afghanistan: 7.52019

    Pakistan: 20.22022

Development & Human Capital: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 9AfghanistanPakistan
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better87.895.7
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better84.694
Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour BenefitsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better22.992007too old to compare24.952018
Child MarriageUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better28.7202338th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst18.3201868th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better34.4126th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst32.5833rd of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better0.66183rd of 184 · position · derived0.838173rd of 184 · position · derived
Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.321156th of 169 · position · derived0.364138th of 169 · position · derived
Net Official Development Assistance ReceivedOECD Development Assistance Committee · 2023 · No better end17.7610th of 130 · position · derived1.19885th of 130 · position · derived
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.492139th of 156 · position · derived0.529130th of 156 · position · derived

Measured for Pakistan only: Multidimensional Poverty Measure · Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up Estimates

Environment & Sustainability

Afghanistan:joint 97thPakistan:86thof 186

Afghanistan on Environment & Sustainability →Pakistan on Environment & Sustainability →

Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from

  1. CO₂ Emissions per Capita

    Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.

    0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27

    Afghanistan: 0.254

    Pakistan: 0.716

  2. Ecological Footprint

    Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.

    0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73

    Afghanistan: 0.773

    Pakistan: 0.722

  3. Organic Agricultural Area

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38

    Afghanistan: 0

    Pakistan: 0.24

  4. Water Stress

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851

    Afghanistan: 54.76

    Pakistan: 98.12

Environment & Sustainability: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 31AfghanistanPakistan
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end16,15970th of 193 · position · derived236,9406th of 193 · position · derived
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better2.361st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.7446th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · No better end5.97949th of 121 · position · derived54.173rd of 121 · position · derived
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end58.4442nd of 209 · position · derived46.6971st of 209 · position · derived
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better00.5
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end0.18965th of 206 · position · derived0.12295th of 206 · position · derived
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better3.3693.791
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end4,250443,184
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better7.615th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst7.714th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
Coal Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Lower is better3.0313.38
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end4.79129.97
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better1.9492.22
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end6.595168th of 188 · position · derived160.2653rd of 188 · position · derived
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end14,170711,083
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end1.853188th of 210 · position · derived4.672179th of 210 · position · derived
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end2,346,05451st of 179 · position · derived14,636,12011th of 179 · position · derived
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end0.18161st of 188 · position · derived2.3417th of 188 · position · derived
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better86.8727th of 162 · position · derived56.4763rd of 162 · position · derived
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end585.339,198
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.3232017185th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.552022152nd of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better33.02180th of 190 · rank39.27147th of 190 · rank
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end08,348
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end01,941
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end00.449
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better1,162122nd of 181 · position · derived225.69165th of 181 · position · derived
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end0.0531.395
Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end11.1113.13
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end1.9611.581
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end8.823112.15
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end98.172nd of 171 · position · derived93.9814th of 171 · position · derived
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better11.1115.23

Measured for Afghanistan only: Forest Area within Legally Established Protected Areas

Measured for Pakistan only: Consumption-Based CO₂ Emissions · Environmentally Related Tax Revenue · Mangrove Area

Gender & Equality

Afghanistan:175thPakistan:171stof 183

Afghanistan on Gender & Equality →Pakistan on Gender & Equality →

Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from

  1. Firms with a Female Top Manager

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.

    1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9

    Afghanistan: 9.5792025

    Pakistan: 3.4012022

  2. Social Institutions and Gender Index

    OECD · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.

    6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 59.7

  3. Women, Business and the Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.

    3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100

    Afghanistan: 3.125

    Pakistan: 58.75

  4. Women's Political Empowerment Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.

    0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954

    Afghanistan: 0.028

    Pakistan: 0.524

Gender & Equality: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 6AfghanistanPakistan
Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end5.33202311.922017
Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better11.52025164th of 181 · position · derived4.9412022176th of 181 · position · derived
Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end21.3201622.72018
Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end105.1105.5
Women Who Think a Husband Is Justified in Hitting or Beating His WifeUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better80.220151st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst41.1201831st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Women's Share of Agricultural LandownersFAO · years differ · No better end15.2620152.162018

Measured for Pakistan only: Account Ownership Among Women · Gender Social Norms Index · Global Gender Parity Index · Legal Guarantees of Women's Equal Rights to Land · Women's Empowerment Index

Democracy & Civil Liberties

Afghanistan:190thPakistan:joint 145thof 198

Afghanistan on Democracy & Civil Liberties →Pakistan on Democracy & Civil Liberties →

Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from

  1. Civic Space Ratings

    CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.

    2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100

    Afghanistan: 7.68

    Pakistan: 24.4

  2. Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index

    EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.

    12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61

    Afghanistan: 40.472019

    Pakistan: 47.762024

  3. Rule of Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.

    -2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012

    Afghanistan: -1.851

    Pakistan: -1.067

  4. V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.

    0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913

    Afghanistan: 0.069

    Pakistan: 0.302

Democracy & Civil Liberties: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 15AfghanistanPakistan
Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.012175th of 176 · position · derived0.182125th of 176 · position · derived
Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.016176th of 176 · position · derived0.123149th of 176 · position · derived
Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better0.9343rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.55158th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.022174th of 176 · position · derived0.559115th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.166172nd of 176 · position · derived0.835106th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.822169th of 172 · position · derived-0.05111th of 172 · position · derived
Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-3.294176th of 176 · position · derived-0.738151st of 176 · position · derived
Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.547170th of 176 · position · derived-0.164114th of 176 · position · derived
Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.297162nd of 176 · position · derived-0.671114th of 176 · position · derived
Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.924142nd of 176 · position · derived-1.467160th of 176 · position · derived
Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.823163rd of 176 · position · derived-0.544120th of 176 · position · derived
Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end-2.5570.854
Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.60.3
Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.051162nd of 176 · position · derived0.192116th of 176 · position · derived
Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better2.3215th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.98660th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Peace & Security

Afghanistan:joint 160thPakistan:168thof 177

Afghanistan on Peace & Security →Pakistan on Peace & Security →

Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from

  1. Global Militarisation Index

    BICC · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.

    3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09

    Afghanistan: 75.28104th of 149 · rank

    Pakistan: 132.9945th of 149 · rank

  2. Physical Violence Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.

    0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989

    Afghanistan: 0.065

    Pakistan: 0.364

  3. Political Stability and Absence of Violence

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.

    -2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563

    Afghanistan: -2.043

    Pakistan: -1.951

  4. Political Violence by Non-State Actors

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.

    -3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375

    Afghanistan: 1.86

    Pakistan: 1.616

Peace & Security: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 7AfghanistanPakistan
Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better0.760.35
Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end482.5
Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better124342
Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better010
Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better33229th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst3,33112th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better3063,096
Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end2,671,56090,497

Measured for Afghanistan only: Internally Displaced People of Concern to UNHCR

Risk & Resilience

Afghanistan:178thPakistan:189thof 193

Afghanistan on Risk & Resilience →Pakistan on Risk & Resilience →

Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from

  1. Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.

    16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69

    Afghanistan: 42.322021

    Pakistan: 33.212024

  2. Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)

    Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.

    0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655

    Afghanistan: 0.612181st of 190 · rank

    Pakistan: 0.525151st of 190 · rank

  3. INFORM Risk Index

    European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.

    0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5

    Afghanistan: 7.8

    Pakistan: 6.6

  4. World Risk Index

    Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.

    0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56

    Afghanistan: 3.7

    Pakistan: 26.82

Risk & Resilience: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 7AfghanistanPakistan
Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end382119,502
Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better2.83959th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst3.3617th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst
Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme WeatherWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better17.48202529th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst3.2332022131st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better6954
Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end20,8691,159,038
Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better4.2699th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst3.26150th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better2941

Measured for Pakistan only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather · Stateless Persons by Country of Residence

Mobility & Trade

Afghanistan:no standingPakistan:107thof 177

Pakistan on Mobility & Trade →

Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from

  1. Container Import Dwell Time

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.

    1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 6.1

  2. ICT Goods Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 0.06

  3. Liner Shipping Connectivity Index

    UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.

    4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 150.935th of 177 · rank

  4. Logistics Performance Index

    World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.

    1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: no reading in this edition

Mobility & Trade: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 7AfghanistanPakistan
Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better4.739202583rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst18.5920224th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end46.1-9.9
Cost of Sending RemittancesWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better9.0247th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.13967th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst
EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end7,528,9946,915,057
International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end98,1104,175,958
International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end0.231.662
Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end-1.181-6.544

Measured for Pakistan only: Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness Index

Food & Agriculture

Afghanistan:155thPakistan:147thof 184

Afghanistan on Food & Agriculture →Pakistan on Food & Agriculture →

Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from

  1. Agriculture Orientation Index

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 0.13

  2. Cereal Yield

    FAO · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.

    23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147

    Afghanistan: 2,303

    Pakistan: 3,634

  3. Dietary Energy Supply

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.

    1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962

    Afghanistan: 2,313

    Pakistan: 2,530

  4. Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.

    1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57

    Afghanistan: 2.43

    Pakistan: 2.29

Poverty & Inequality

Afghanistan:no standingPakistan:93rdof 159

Pakistan on Poverty & Inequality →

Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from

  1. Gini Index

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.

    23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 29.592018

  2. Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 2.692018

  3. Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.

    0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 63

Poverty & Inequality: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 1AfghanistanPakistan
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty LinesWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end47.1201921.92018

Money & Public Finance

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

Money & Public Finance: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Measured · 3AfghanistanPakistan
Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end2.54920255.5182022
Share of Firms' Payments Made ElectronicallyWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better18.27202521.692022
Short-Term Share of External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better13.247.408

Measured for Pakistan only: Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money

Energy

Afghanistan:16thPakistan:90thof 165

Afghanistan on Energy →Pakistan on Energy →

Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from

  1. Carbon Intensity of Electricity

    Ember · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 23.73 to 1,306; the middle country is at 433.75.

    23.73dashed: the middle country, 433.751,306

    Afghanistan: 117.17

    Pakistan: 334.42

  2. Renewable Share of Electricity Generation

    Ember · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 32.06.

    0dashed: the middle country, 32.06100

    Afghanistan: 86.87

    Pakistan: 41.13

  3. World Energy Trilemma Index

    World Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 27.7 to 83.2; the middle country is at 63.8.

    27.7dashed: the middle country, 63.883.2

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 45.584th of 99 · rank

Energy: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 14AfghanistanPakistan
Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end057.52
Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better42.85202537th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst24.17202298th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better64.51202544.352022
Gas Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end027.99
Hydro Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end75.7625.4
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)Ember · 2024 · No better end588.890.332
Nuclear Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end015.34
Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end5.0164.713
Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end3.15711.64
Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end0.0261.622
RISE Clean Cooking Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better8.33312.78
RISE Electricity Access Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better54.5639th of 56 · position · derived69.2624th of 56 · position · derived
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better19.5147.59
RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better12.1223.03

Measured for Pakistan only: Natural Gas Production

Digital & Technology

Afghanistan:194thPakistan:54thof 198

Afghanistan on Digital & Technology →Pakistan on Digital & Technology →

Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from

  1. Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.

    0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15

    Afghanistan: no reading in this edition

    Pakistan: 63.58

  2. Government AI Readiness Index

    Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.

    12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36

    Afghanistan: 15.72188th of 195 · rank

    Pakistan: 45.3881st of 195 · rank

  3. Government Cyber Security Capacity

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.

    -2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715

    Afghanistan: -1.031

    Pakistan: 0.743

  4. GovTech Maturity Index

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.

    0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997

    Afghanistan: 0.121

    Pakistan: 0.679

Digital & Technology: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Also measured · 6AfghanistanPakistan
AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better6.311.9
Firms Experiencing Internet DisruptionsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better29.78202589th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst14.842022136th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better452025130th of 181 · position · derived48.752022123rd of 181 · position · derived
GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end59,9572,497,496
GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end42,8622,870,837
GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end88,0595,148,998

Measured for Pakistan only: Anthropic AI Usage Index · Internet Use Among Adults · Mobile Phone Ownership · Smartphone Ownership

People & Population

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

People & Population: statistics measuring both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Measured · 16AfghanistanPakistan
Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end8.2620236.82013too old to compare
Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end35.4427.81
Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end5.7976.466
Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end0.7630.748
Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end30.3728.88
Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end16.9420.29
One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end0.1420232.212017
Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end2.3784.196
Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end63.85321.07
Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end2.8461.48
Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end40.1946.69
Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end43.2337.04
Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end101.92103.25
Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end83.8470.17
Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end4.843.605
Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end25.9439.53

04Over time

How the two have moved

Afghanistan solid, Pakistan dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.

GDP per person

international $, PPP · World Bank Group

02,0004,000200020132025Afghanistan: 1,964 in 2024Pakistan: 5,617 in 2025
Afghanistan, 2024
1,964
Pakistan, 2025
5,617

Pakistan’s GDP per person was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2024.

Life expectancy at birth

years at birth · UN DESA Population Division

0204060200020122023Afghanistan: 66.03 in 2023Pakistan: 67.65 in 2023
Afghanistan, 2023
66.03
Pakistan, 2023
67.65

Pakistan’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.

Population

people · UN DESA Population Division

050,000,000100,000,000150,000,000200,000,000200020122023Afghanistan: 41,454,761 in 2023Pakistan: 247,504,495 in 2023
Afghanistan, 2023
41,454,761
Pakistan, 2023
247,504,495

Pakistan’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.

Human Development Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office

50th100th150th200020122023Afghanistan: 181st of 193 in 2023Pakistan: 168th of 193 in 2023
Afghanistan, 2023
181st of 193
Pakistan, 2023
168th of 193

Corruption Perceptions Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International

50th100th150th201220192025Afghanistan: 169th of 181 in 2025Pakistan: 136th of 181 in 2025
Afghanistan, 2025
169th of 181
Pakistan, 2025
136th of 181

Gender Inequality Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office

50th100th150th200020122023Afghanistan: 168th of 172 in 2023Pakistan: 145th of 172 in 2023
Afghanistan, 2023
168th of 172
Pakistan, 2023
145th of 172

Economic Complexity Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University

25th50th75th100th125th200020122024Afghanistan: 108th of 145 in 2024Pakistan: 89th of 145 in 2024
Afghanistan, 2024
108th of 145
Pakistan, 2024
89th of 145

Government AI Readiness Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights

50th100th150th202020232025Afghanistan: 188th of 195 in 2025Pakistan: 81st of 195 in 2025
Afghanistan, 2025
188th of 195
Pakistan, 2025
81st of 195

05Recorded facts

The two countries

Fact Afghanistan Pakistan
CapitalKabulIslamabad
LanguagesArabic, Balochi, Dari, Nuristani, Pamir, Pashayi, Pashto, Turkmen, UzbekEnglish, Urdu
Currencyafghani (AFN)Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Calling code+93+92
Internet domain.af.pk
ISO codesAF · AFGPK · PAK
WhereSouthern Asia · AsiaSouthern Asia · Asia

Share a land borderBoth in Southern AsiaBoth in Asia

Afghanistan in black and Pakistan in blue-grey on a map
Afghanistan PakistanOutlines from Natural Earth, which draws borders as they are held on the ground. No line on this map is a statement about where a border should be.

06Keep comparing

Compare more

Afghanistan compared with

No other comparison of Afghanistan has a page yet.

Every comparison, and a picker for any two countries →

07Questions

Afghanistan and Pakistan: common questions

Which is bigger, Afghanistan or Pakistan?

People: Afghanistan 41,454,761 and Pakistan 247,504,495 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. Pakistan has 6.0 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Afghanistan 652,230 and Pakistan 770,880 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Pakistan’s is 1.2 times as large.

Which has the higher GDP per person, Afghanistan or Pakistan?

Pakistan. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: Afghanistan 1,964 (2024) and Pakistan 5,617 (2025), according to World Bank Group.

Where are Afghanistan and Pakistan placed in the Country Index 2026?

Afghanistan is placed joint 175th of 183, and Pakistan is placed 157th of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.

Do Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border?

Yes: the two share a land border, as the Natural Earth outlines draw it — borders as they are held on the ground. Both are in Southern Asia.

How many statistics compare Afghanistan and Pakistan?

282 statistics from 55 publishers measure both. 6 more measure only Afghanistan, and 95 only Pakistan; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.

Why do some rows give two different years?

For 57 of the 282 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.

08Method

Sources and how to read them

Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: Afghanistan and Pakistan. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.

Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.

The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.

The 55 publishers behind the shared statistics

ACAPS · Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) · Ember · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Footprint Network · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Lloyd's Register Foundation · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD Development Assistance Committee · Open Data Watch · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry. Afghanistan and Pakistan, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/afghanistan-vs-pakistan

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