Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Afghanistan 2022
Afghanistan's economy
Over the past decade, Afghanistan’s gross domestic product has increased approximately threefold, with the most prominent surge occurring between 2009 and 2010. The substantial improvement of Afghanistan’s GDP and the country's economic situation in general is a result of billions of dollars worth of international investments as well as enhancements in agricultural production. However, many aspects of Afghanistan’s economy are still flawed, most distinctly within its employment sector, but also regarding revenues and expenses. Afghanistan held one of the highest unemployment rates in the world in 2009, with roughly 35 percent of its entire population being registered as unemployed. Additionally, Afghanistan has maintained a trade deficit over the past decade, implying that its imports exceeded its exports. The country’s highest trade deficits occurred after the financial crisis took place, however has since impeded.
Another reason for Afghanistan’s economic crisis was the Afghan War. Prior to the war, the country had struggled economically in many forms and became further encumbered after the destruction of infrastructure, production facilities and farmland, as well as trade routes. However with President Obama’s plan to pull American soldiers from Afghan soil and to end the war, it is expected that the economic situation in Afghanistan will improve.