UN Predicts Half of Afghanistan’s Population Will Be Urban by 2060
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has stated that Afghanistan’s future is becoming increasingly urban, with half of the country’s population expected to live in cities by 2060. The agency emphasizes that such a significant transformation will occur within a relatively short time frame and requires serious preparedness.
According to UN-Habitat, urban growth could become an opportunity for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved public welfare—provided that urban planning, equitable access to services, and proper resource management are prioritized.
At the same time, experts warn that without clear and responsive policies, the rising urban population could intensify pressure on infrastructure, housing, water, health, and labor markets; a challenge that, under the current conditions in Afghanistan and Taliban governance, raises serious concerns about institutional capacity and decision-making transparency.
International organizations stress that managing Afghanistan’s urban future demands broad collaboration, long-term vision, and attention to the rights and needs of all city residents to ensure this demographic shift does not turn into a social and economic crisis.
