Afghanistan

Afghanistan ranks 183rd of 193 countries in the GSCI 2026, with a score of 34.5. This is 55% of the best score (Sweden, 62.9) and places Afghanistan in the 5th percentile, 10.9 points below the global average of 45.4.

Afghanistan performs best in Resource Efficiency (33rd) and Intellectual Capital (169th), and weakest in Economic Sustainability (190th) and Natural Capital (182nd). Its ranks in the other dimensions: Governance 176th, Social Capital 179th.

Afghanistan's GSCI score has declined by 1.9 points over the past ten years (2015–2025). Based on recent trends, the 10-year outlook is negative (-3.0 points).

Afghanistan has a population of 42.6 million, 3% above the average country (41.5 million), and a population density of 65 people per km², 12% above the world average (58). Its GDP is $17.2 billion, 3% of the average country ($569.2 billion).

Afghanistan's GDP per capita is $414, 3% of the world average of $13,684.

The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) measures the sustainable competitiveness of 193 countries across six dimensions: Natural Capital, Resource Efficiency, Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, Economic Sustainability and Governance. It is based on 296 quantitative indicators from sources such as the World Bank, UN agencies and the IMF, with no surveys or opinions.