Economic Development in Afghanistan

Abstract

This study examined the economic development in Afghanistan in 2002-2019. Secondary data were used, which were collected and retrieved from annual reports of various public, non-government’s organizations and World Bank. Using descriptive statistics analysis, it was found that the overall economic situations and performances of the country aren’t in accordance with the expectations, poverty and unemployment rates are constantly increasing. Afghanistan had huge trade deficit in the study period, on average imports raised by 88.33 percent from US $3251 million in 2002 to US $7407 million in 2018. Furthermore, economic growth declined from 8.8 percent in 2003 to 1.0 percent in 2018. Real GDP per capita was only US $ 520.9 in 2018. Reduction in international aids, withdrawal of international forces, worsening security situations, political instability, high corruption, severe droughts, higher population growth rate than economic growth rate, weak investors’ confidence and lack of smooth political transition are the main reasons that have had adverse effects on Afghanistan’s economic growth.