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

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.
Country Index 2026 · standing
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.
- Governance & Institutions179th · 136th of 194
- Economy & Innovation131st · 159th of 176
- Work & Labour182nd · 136th of 182
- 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.
- Health & Wellbeing190th · 170th of 200
- Development & Human Capital189th · 154th of 196
- Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 97th · 86th of 186
- Gender & Equality175th · 171st of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties190th · joint 145th of 198
- Peace & Securityjoint 160th · 168th of 177
- Risk & Resilience178th · 189th of 193
- 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.
- Food & Agriculture155th · 147th of 184
- 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.
- Energy16th · 90th of 165
- 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.
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 26 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 9.488202575th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 15.9202251st of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.746 | 0.811 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 0.42019 | 5.22021 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.272164th of 192 · rank | 0.31142nd of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 47.82023 | 42.22018 |
| 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 better | 1.76774th of 78 · position · derived | 3.30830th of 78 · position · derived |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 13.62019 | 9.52022 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.027176th of 176 · position · derived | 0.11166th of 176 · position · derived |
| Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 12.25202560th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 21.6202235th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 1 | 1.75 |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.018173rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.176116th of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.278158th of 176 · position · derived | 0.18396th of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.89920th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.6661st of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 24.72019 | 17.42022 |
| Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better | 43132nd of 168 · rank | 42135th of 168 · rank |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.76941st of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.80232nd of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 8.744201992nd of 135 · position · derived | 8.061202095th 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 end | 9.6992025 | 0.2482022 |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 79.5 | 78.93 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | -1.046158th of 166 · position · derived | 0.012120th 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 better | 16.77201969th of 139 · position · derived | 4.7292016129th 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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 18 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 95.23 | 28.57 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | -1.036 | 0.265 |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 121.3444th of 195 · position · derived | 104.13109th of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.371 | 0.203 |
| Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 43.76202585th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 44.61202280th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 8.5042025 | 19.642022 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 111.4379th of 195 · position · derived | 122.4339th of 195 · position · derived |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.108166th of 170 · position · derived | 0.328121st of 170 · position · derived |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 1,358159th of 166 · position · derived | 5,532115th of 166 · position · derived |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 95.4157th of 194 · position · derived | 125.337th of 194 · position · derived |
| Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 50.172025102nd of 169 · position · derived | 38.092022159th of 169 · position · derived |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 25.75180th of 195 · position · derived | 33157th of 195 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 2,686 | 66,422 |
| Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 3.319 | 2.222 |
| Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end | 393.19 | 570.45 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 96.75 | 152.2 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 0.429131st of 180 · position · derived | 1.436103rd of 180 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.61 | 1.94 |
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 16 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 35.59128th of 182 · position · derived | 47.639th of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 5.48 | 4.83 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 51.6322nd of 182 · position · derived | 36.2343rd of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 18.991st of 182 · position · derived | 25.2641st of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 29.47169th of 182 · position · derived | 38.51154th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 4.22019 | 2.82021 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 5.086181st of 182 · position · derived | 24.05169th of 182 · position · derived |
| Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 37.132025 | 5.92022 |
| Informal Employment RateILO · years differ · Lower is better | 78.88202123rd of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 88.3520259th of 97 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 37.46177th of 182 · position · derived | 52.34147th of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 6.1150th of 182 · position · derived | 7.16143rd of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 0 | 112 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 0 | 0 |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 83.412th of 182 · position · derived | 5749th of 182 · position · derived |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 1.72019 | 02022 |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 16.7964th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.594115th 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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 12 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.086163rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.268132nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Adult Literacy RateUIS · 2021 · Higher is better | 37.27167th of 172 · position · derived | 58.86156th of 172 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 10.79165th of 195 · position · derived | 7.895187th of 195 · position · derived |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 354.76149th of 172 · position · derived | 338.66160th of 172 · position · derived |
| Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.508201142nd of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.557201319th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · years differ · Lower is better | 93.27201310th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 79.54201923rd of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 5.053145th of 172 · position · derived | 5.079144th of 172 · position · derived |
| Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 42.75138th of 164 · position · derived | 55.89121st of 164 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 2.515186th of 193 · position · derived | 4.317177th of 193 · position · derived |
| Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 55.44153rd of 165 · position · derived | 59.46151st of 165 · position · derived |
| Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary CompletionUIS · years differ · Closer to 1 is better | 0.182022 | 0.1552018 |
| Youth Literacy RateUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 62.662022 | 73.132021 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 44 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 64.0751st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 41.0983rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 201.1151st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 166.4276th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 94.247th of 144 · position · derived | 87.4735th of 144 · position · derived |
| Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 33.42023148th of 153 · position · derived | 52.42019131st of 153 · position · derived |
| Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end | 5.72023 | 23.12019 |
| Care-Seeking for Children with Symptoms of PneumoniaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 45.32023105th of 127 · position · derived | 71.1201855th of 127 · position · derived |
| Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 26.932016 | 4.4692015 |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.4 | 0.31 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 19.1 | 26 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 61.8 | 123.68 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 48.3165th of 196 · position · derived | 54145th of 196 · position · derived |
| Early Initiation of BreastfeedingUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 47.71202286th of 136 · position · derived | 19.562018132nd of 136 · position · derived |
| Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 63.27202218th of 136 · position · derived | 47.84201850th of 136 · position · derived |
| Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.38 | 1.35 |
| Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 39.92 | 24.05 |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.661168th of 172 · rank | 0.536145th of 172 · rank |
| Global Multidimensional Poverty IndexOPHI · years differ · Lower is better | 0.3620239th of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.198201831st of 109 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Report on Food CrisesFSIN · 2024 · Lower is better | 368th of 44 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3210th of 44 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.4146th of 172 · position · derived | 0.406142nd of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 61 | 86 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 56 | 84 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 48.3113th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 48.2114th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| INFORM Severity IndexACAPS · 2025 · Lower is better | 4.53rd of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 416th of 81 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 66.32023 | 702020 |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 13.33197th of 222 · position · derived | 13.8180th of 222 · position · derived |
| Malaria Incidence (P. falciparum)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better | 1.389 | 16.84 |
| Malaria Incidence (P. vivax)MAP · 2025 · Lower is better | 32.37 | 39.88 |
| Malaria Mortality (P. falciparum)MAP · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.388 | 3.919 |
| Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 6.39 | 21.24 |
| Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 14.792022104th of 115 · position · derived | 14.972018103rd of 115 · position · derived |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 16.9 | 19.9 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 9.26131st of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.77152nd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 33.146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 36.13rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Oral Rehydration Salts for Children with DiarrhoeaUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 32.62023100th of 127 · position · derived | 37.4201879th of 127 · position · derived |
| Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better | 4.382110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.07152nd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 31.730th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 51.14th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Postnatal Care for Newborns Within Two DaysUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 34.2202397th of 109 · position · derived | 63.9201879th of 109 · position · derived |
| Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 77.87th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 22.966th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 28.112th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 16.534th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 48.7320224th of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 38.42201813th of 113 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better | 72 | 46 |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 28.027th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 27.559th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 63.41 | 30.43 |
| Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better | 3.633202279th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 7.091201839th 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
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
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
| Also measured · 9 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 87.8 | 95.7 |
| Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 84.6 | 94 |
| Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour BenefitsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 22.992007too old to compare | 24.952018 |
| Child MarriageUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 28.7202338th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 18.3201868th of 143 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 34.4126th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 32.5833rd of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.66183rd of 184 · position · derived | 0.838173rd of 184 · position · derived |
| Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.321156th of 169 · position · derived | 0.364138th of 169 · position · derived |
| Net Official Development Assistance ReceivedOECD Development Assistance Committee · 2023 · No better end | 17.7610th of 130 · position · derived | 1.19885th of 130 · position · derived |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.492139th of 156 · position · derived | 0.529130th 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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 31 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 16,15970th of 193 · position · derived | 236,9406th of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 2.361st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.7446th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 5.97949th of 121 · position · derived | 54.173rd of 121 · position · derived |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 58.4442nd of 209 · position · derived | 46.6971st of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0 | 0.5 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.18965th of 206 · position · derived | 0.12295th of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 3.369 | 3.791 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 4,250 | 443,184 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 7.615th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 7.714th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Coal Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Lower is better | 3.03 | 13.38 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 4.79 | 129.97 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.949 | 2.22 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 6.595168th of 188 · position · derived | 160.2653rd of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 14,170 | 711,083 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 1.853188th of 210 · position · derived | 4.672179th of 210 · position · derived |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 2,346,05451st of 179 · position · derived | 14,636,12011th of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.18161st of 188 · position · derived | 2.3417th of 188 · position · derived |
| Low-Carbon Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better | 86.8727th of 162 · position · derived | 56.4763rd of 162 · position · derived |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 585.33 | 9,198 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.3232017185th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.552022152nd of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 33.02180th of 190 · rank | 39.27147th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 0 | 8,348 |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 0 | 1,941 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 0 | 0.449 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 1,162122nd of 181 · position · derived | 225.69165th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 0.053 | 1.395 |
| Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end | 11.11 | 13.13 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 1.961 | 1.581 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 8.823 | 112.15 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 98.172nd of 171 · position · derived | 93.9814th of 171 · position · derived |
| Wind and Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better | 11.11 | 15.23 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 6 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 5.332023 | 11.922017 |
| Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 11.52025164th of 181 · position · derived | 4.9412022176th of 181 · position · derived |
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 21.32016 | 22.72018 |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 105.1 | 105.5 |
| Women Who Think a Husband Is Justified in Hitting or Beating His WifeUNICEF · years differ · Lower is better | 80.220151st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 41.1201831st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Women's Share of Agricultural LandownersFAO · years differ · No better end | 15.262015 | 2.162018 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 15 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.012175th of 176 · position · derived | 0.182125th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.016176th of 176 · position · derived | 0.123149th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.9343rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.55158th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.022174th of 176 · position · derived | 0.559115th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.166172nd of 176 · position · derived | 0.835106th 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 | -2.557 | 0.854 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.051162nd of 176 · position · derived | 0.192116th of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 2.3215th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.98660th 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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 7 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.76 | 0.35 |
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 48 | 2.5 |
| Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 124 | 342 |
| Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 10 |
| Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 33229th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3,33112th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 306 | 3,096 |
| Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 2,671,560 | 90,497 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 7 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 382 | 119,502 |
| Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 2.83959th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst | 3.3617th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme WeatherWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 17.48202529th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.2332022131st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 69 | 54 |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 20,869 | 1,159,038 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 4.2699th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 3.26150th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better | 29 | 41 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 7 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 4.739202583rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 18.5920224th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end | 46.1 | -9.9 |
| Cost of Sending RemittancesWorld Bank Group · 2023 · Lower is better | 9.0247th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.13967th of 93 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 7,528,994 | 6,915,057 |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 98,110 | 4,175,958 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 0.23 | 1.662 |
| 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
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
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
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
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
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
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
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
Share of Population Unable to Afford a Healthy Diet
FAO · 2025 · Lower is better
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
| Also measured · 1 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Headcount at National Poverty LinesWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 47.12019 | 21.92018 |
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 3 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 2.5492025 | 5.5182022 |
| Share of Firms' Payments Made ElectronicallyWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 18.272025 | 21.692022 |
| Short-Term Share of External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 13.24 | 7.408 |
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 14 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 0 | 57.52 |
| Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 42.85202537th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 24.17202298th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 64.512025 | 44.352022 |
| Gas Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end | 0 | 27.99 |
| Hydro Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end | 75.76 | 25.4 |
| Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)Ember · 2024 · No better end | 588.89 | 0.332 |
| Nuclear Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end | 0 | 15.34 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 5.016 | 4.713 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 3.157 | 11.64 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 0.026 | 1.622 |
| RISE Clean Cooking Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 8.333 | 12.78 |
| RISE Electricity Access Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 54.5639th of 56 · position · derived | 69.2624th of 56 · position · derived |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 19.51 | 47.59 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 12.12 | 23.03 |
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
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
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
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
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
| Also measured · 6 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 6.3 | 11.9 |
| Firms Experiencing Internet DisruptionsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 29.78202589th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 14.842022136th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 452025130th of 181 · position · derived | 48.752022123rd of 181 · position · derived |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 59,957 | 2,497,496 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 42,862 | 2,870,837 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 88,059 | 5,148,998 |
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.
| Measured · 16 | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 8.262023 | 6.82013too old to compare |
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 35.44 | 27.81 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 5.797 | 6.466 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.763 | 0.748 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 30.37 | 28.88 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 16.94 | 20.29 |
| One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 0.142023 | 2.212017 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.378 | 4.196 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 63.85 | 321.07 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.846 | 1.48 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 40.19 | 46.69 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 43.23 | 37.04 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 101.92 | 103.25 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 83.84 | 70.17 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 4.84 | 3.605 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 25.94 | 39.53 |
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Afghanistan, 2025
- 188th of 195
- Pakistan, 2025
- 81st of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Kabul | Islamabad |
| Languages | Arabic, Balochi, Dari, Nuristani, Pamir, Pashayi, Pashto, Turkmen, Uzbek | English, Urdu |
| Currency | afghani (AFN) | Pakistani rupee (PKR) |
| Calling code | +93 | +92 |
| Internet domain | .af | .pk |
| ISO codes | AF · AFG | PK · PAK |
| Where | Southern Asia · Asia | Southern Asia · Asia |
Share a land borderBoth in Southern AsiaBoth in Asia
06Keep comparing
Compare more
Afghanistan compared with
No other comparison of Afghanistan has a page yet.
Pakistan compared with
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