The UN-Habitat has raised concerns about the rapid pace of urbanization in Afghanistan, highlighting that the nation’s cities are ill-equipped to handle such growth. The agency underscored the urgency of addressing this trend to prevent further strain on urban infrastructure and resources.
In a statement posted on its X page on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the agency noted that only five percent of Afghanistan’s population lived in urban areas in 1950, a figure that increased to 25 percent by 2022 and is projected to reach 50 percent by 2060. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme emphasized the need to harness urbanization as a positive driver for change.
The agency reported that over 40 percent of Afghanistan’s urban population resides in Kabul, which is currently facing severe environmental challenges and water shortages. The capital’s growing population is exacerbating these issues, creating significant hurdles for sustainable development.
Many citizens of Afghanistan recently deported from Iran and Pakistan are choosing to settle in urban areas to access better employment opportunities, education, healthcare services, and other amenities. This influx is adding further pressure on cities already struggling to accommodate rapid urbanization.
