The Surprising Size Of Afghanistan: A Geographic Overview

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia, west of the Himalayas. Covering an area of 652,860 square kilometres, it is roughly the size of the US state of Texas and more than twice the size of the UK. The country shares its borders with six neighbouring countries: China in the far northeast, Pakistan to the south, Iran and Turkmenistan to the west, and Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north.

The landscape is characterised by the Hindu Kush Mountains, which run through the country. The average altitude of Afghanistan is 1,885 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest countries in the world. The country is predominantly mountainous, with plains in the north and southwest. The south and southwest consist mainly of sparsely vegetated sand and clay deserts.

With a population of around 38 million, Afghanistan is among the top 40 most populated countries in the world.

Afghanistan is about 15 times smaller than the United States

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. It is a predominantly mountainous country with plains in the north and southwest. The country covers an area of 652,230 square kilometres (sq km) or 252,072 square miles (sq mi).

In comparison, the United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km, making it about 15 times larger than Afghanistan. To put this into perspective, the population of the United States is around 299 million more than that of Afghanistan.

The United States is one of the largest countries in the world, covering a vast area of land. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from bustling cities to expansive rural areas. On the other hand, Afghanistan is a relatively small country, with a land area that is slightly smaller than the state of Texas in the US. Despite its small size, Afghanistan has a rich history and culture, dating back to the Middle Paleolithic era. The country has been a crossroads of Central and South Asia, influenced by various civilisations throughout its existence.

The size difference between the two countries becomes evident when comparing their geographic features. Afghanistan's landscape is characterised by the Hindu Kush mountain range, with rugged terrain and high elevations. In contrast, the United States offers a variety of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the vast plains and agricultural heartlands in the midwest. The United States also boasts a lengthy coastline along its eastern and western seaboards, a feature that landlocked Afghanistan lacks.

While Afghanistan is significantly smaller than the United States in terms of land area, it is important to consider other aspects such as population, cultural diversity, and economic development. Afghanistan, with its rugged terrain and limited arable land, faces unique challenges in terms of agriculture and resource management. Meanwhile, the United States, with its vast land area, has a greater capacity to utilise its natural resources and develop its infrastructure.

In summary, the statement "Afghanistan is about 15 times smaller than the United States" highlights the significant difference in land area between the two countries. This size disparity has implications for various aspects, including population distribution, economic opportunities, and geographic features. Despite their differences in size, both countries have played important roles in global politics and have unique cultural identities.

It is roughly the size of the US state of Texas

Afghanistan is roughly the size of the US state of Texas. At 652,860 sq km (252,071 sq miles), it is slightly smaller than Texas, which covers 268,596 sq miles (695,660 sq km).

Texas is the second-largest US state by area, after Alaska, and the largest state within the contiguous United States. Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State, and its size is often used as a point of reference. For example, Texas is:

• Roughly 1.65 times larger than California, the third-largest US state.
• Roughly twice the size of Germany.
• Roughly twice the size of Japan.
• Roughly 10% larger than France.
• Roughly 2.8 times larger than the UK.

Texas's size is also comparable to several countries in Europe and Asia. For instance, Texas is:

• Roughly the same size as France.
• Roughly twice the size of Myanmar (Burma).
• Roughly the same size as Zambia.
• Roughly the same size as Afghanistan.
• Roughly twice the size of Somalia.
• Roughly 10% larger than Chile.

Texas is also home to the King Ranch, the largest ranch in the US, which is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

The country is landlocked and bordered by six countries

Afghanistan is a landlocked country bordered by six countries: China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Durand Line is the name of the 2,670-kilometre border with Pakistan, which cuts through the traditional homeland of the Pashtun people. Afghanistan has never officially recognised this border. The country's longest border is with Iran, at 921 kilometres, and its shortest is with China, at 91 kilometres. The border with Uzbekistan is considered the second most heavily guarded in the world.

Afghanistan is among the top 40 most populated countries in the world

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia with a population of around 43 million people as of 2023. It is among the top 40 most populated countries in the world, with a population density of 63 to 65 people per square kilometre. The country's population has been increasing steadily, with an estimated growth rate of 2.37%.

Afghanistan's population is unevenly distributed, with larger groups clustered in the foothills and periphery of the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range, and smaller groups inhabiting the interior valleys. The east of the country is more densely populated than the south. About 26% of the population lives in urban areas, with the capital city of Kabul being the largest urban centre, home to around 12% of the country's population.

The population of Afghanistan is predominantly rural, with many people living in small towns and villages in the fertile valleys between the mountains. Agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy, employing about 40% of the workforce. The country's population growth and economic recovery have been fuelled by the return of over 5 million expatriates, who brought with them new skills and capital to invest in various industries, including construction.

Despite its relatively high population, Afghanistan is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 180th in the Human Development Index. The country has been plagued by decades of war, resulting in widespread poverty, low literacy rates, and poor access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

The country is predominantly mountainous

Afghanistan is predominantly a mountainous country, with the huge Hindu Kush mountains forming a barrier between the Northern provinces and the rest of the country. The Hindu Kush mountain range reaches a height of 7,492 m (24,580 ft) at Noshaq, Afghanistan's highest peak. The Hindu Kush mountains run northeast to southwest, dividing the northern provinces from the rest of the country. The highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor).

The Hindu Kush is not the only mountain range in Afghanistan—the Paropamisus also runs through the centre of the country. Snowmelt from these ranges irrigates crops and replenishes rivers throughout the country. The varied altitudes create a variety of climates that allow for a mix of crops to thrive.

The country's rugged terrain impacts the ease of travel throughout the country, essentially forming four distinct regions that have economic and cultural connections to their bordering countries. Politics, culture, and language within each region often differ from that which influences the central government in Kabul.

The mountain passes in Afghanistan allow travellers passage across Asia. The country was a busy section of the Silk Road, a route that merchants have travelled over land between China, India, and Europe for over 2,000 years.

The characteristic distribution of vegetation on the mountains of Afghanistan is worthy of attention. The great mass of it is confined to the main ranges and their immediate offshoots, whilst on the more distant and terminal prolongations it is almost entirely absent.

Frequently asked questions