How many Afghans could not meet basic needs in 2025?
UNDP estimated that 74 percent of Afghans were subsistence insecure in 2025, equal to roughly 28 million people under its survey framework.
What the figure or term means
Subsistence insecurity covers inability to meet basic needs across food, water, housing, health care, heating, clothing, and related essentials.
It is not the same indicator as the international monetary poverty line.
UNDP said the share had shown no meaningful improvement for three consecutive years.
Use UNDP’s term and definition rather than relabeling the figure as a different poverty rate.
How to use this information responsibly
Economic indicators describe different things: national output, prices, household deprivation, employment, public revenue, or access to services. Reading the definition and period is essential.
Economic series are revised and are not interchangeable. Growth in total GDP can coexist with falling income per person and worsening household hardship.
Check the underlying information.
Editorial standard: This page is reviewed by a person, sourced to Famidi records or authoritative references, and revised when the program or underlying guidance changes. It does not replace legal, tax, medical, or financial advice.