The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan’s population is projected to reach 48.6 million in 2026, with women, girls and young people making up a significant share of the population, the U.N. mission in the country said Saturday.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, made the announcement in a statement marking World Population Day, saying the country’s future depends on the health, rights and opportunities available to its growing population.
UNAMA said the growing global population has underscored the connection between demographic trends, climate change and sustainable development, making investment in education, health care and economic opportunities increasingly important, particularly for women and young people.
The mission said Afghanistan contributes only 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Drought, flooding, rising temperatures and water scarcity continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of Afghans, it said.
About 75% of the country’s population relies on agriculture and livestock for income, increasing their exposure to climate-related shocks, according to UNAMA.
The mission also emphasized the importance of reliable population data, saying accurate demographic information is essential for designing effective policies to improve health services, promote gender equality, strengthen resilience and advance sustainable development.
