Definition of Demographics of afghanistan

"Afghans" redirects here. For other uses, see Afghan.

The Demographics of Afghanistan are ethnically and linguistically mixed. This reflects its location astride historic trade and invasion routes leading from Central Asia into South and Southwest Asia. Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group, accounting for about 42% of the population. Tajik (27%), Hazara (9%), Uzbek (9%), Aimak (4%), Turkmen (3%), Baluch (4%) and other small groups (4%) make up the remaining 58%. Pashto and Persian (Dari) are both official languages of the country. Persian is spoken by at least half of the population and serves as a lingua franca for most Afghans. Pashto is spoken widely in the south, east and south west, Uzbek and Turkmen are spoken in the north. Smaller groups throughout the country also speak more than 70 other languages and numerous dialects.