Afghanistan vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Afghanistan | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $17.15B | $18.74T | 2023 |
| GDP per capita | $414 | $13,303 | 2023 |
| Population | 42.6M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 2.27% | 4.98% | 2023 |
| Inflation rate | -6.60% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.35% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 66.0 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 652,870 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Afghanistan vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Afghanistan, with a nominal GDP roughly 1092.8 times greater based on 2023 data. Afghanistan recorded a GDP of $17.15B, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, China leads over Afghanistan. Afghanistan has a per capita output of $414, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Afghanistan. Afghanistan is home to approximately 42.6M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Afghanistan covers 652,870 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in China: 66.0 years in Afghanistan versus 78.0 years in China. China has the lower unemployment rate (Afghanistan: 13.35%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at -6.60% in Afghanistan and 0.22% in China.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Afghanistan or China?
China has the larger GDP. Afghanistan has a GDP of $17.15B (2023), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Afghanistan and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.37B. Afghanistan has 42.6M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Afghanistan richer than China?
By GDP per capita, China is wealthier. Afghanistan has a GDP per capita of $414 (2023), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Afghanistan or China?
China has higher life expectancy. Afghanistan: 66.0 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Afghanistan or China?
China is larger by area. Afghanistan covers 652,870 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.