UN: Urban Population in Afghanistan to Reach 50% by 2060

Kokcha News Agency – The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has reported that Afghanistan’s urban population is growing rapidly and is expected to reach 50% by 2060. This marks a significant increase from 5% in 1950 to 25% in 2022.

In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, UN-Habitat emphasized that despite the rapid pace of urbanization, Afghan cities are not yet prepared to accommodate this population growth. This unpreparedness is evident in the significant rise of informal settlements across the country.

The UN agency warned that the lack of urban planning and infrastructure development could exacerbate challenges related to housing, sanitation, and public services, as more people move to cities in search of better opportunities.

Afghanistan is undergoing a significant urbanization shift. In 1950, only 5% of the population lived in urban areas. By 2022, this figure had risen to 25%, and projections suggest that by 2060, half of Afghanistan’s population will be urban.

Despite this rapid urbanization, Afghan cities are not equipped to handle the surge in population. The unchecked growth of informal settlements is a clear indicator of this lack of preparedness. These settlements often lack basic infrastructure, such as proper housing, sanitation, and access to public services, leading to increased challenges for urban residents.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has emphasized the urgent need for proper urban planning to harness urbanization as a driver of development and positive change. Without adequate planning and investment in infrastructure, the rapid growth of cities could exacerbate existing issues, including poverty, unemployment, and environmental