Afghan Afghani - AFN

Overview

The Afghan Afghani is the currency of Afghanistan. It has experienced significant volatility due to political instability and economic challenges. The currency has been managed by Da Afghanistan Bank since 2003.

Economy

  • Afghanistan is a member of OIC, SAARC (observer), ECO.
  • Main industries include: Agriculture, Textiles, Food processing, Mining, Handicrafts.
  • Afghanistan is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are machinery, food, textiles, petroleum products.
  • Major exports include opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides.
  • GDP: $14.8 billion (2021 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $368 (2021 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 11.7% (2021 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 2.3% (2019 est.).
  • Main trading partners: Pakistan, India, China, Iran, Uzbekistan.
  • Trade agreements: APTTA with Pakistan, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Afghan rupee, Kabuli rupee.
  • The afghani was first introduced in 1925, replacing the Afghan rupee. It has undergone several redenominations due to inflation and political changes.
  • 1925: First afghani introduced
  • 1963: Second afghani introduced (1000:1 redenomination)
  • 2002: Third afghani introduced after Taliban period
  • 2021: Economic crisis following government change
  • Exchange rate peg: Historically various pegs to major currencies.

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: AFN
  • Symbols: AFN/؋
  • Currency Subunits: 100 pul
  • Central Bank: Da Afghanistan Bank
  • Monetary Policy: Focus on price stability and supporting economic reconstruction amid challenging political and economic conditions.
  • Bills: 1 AFN, 2 AFN, 5 AFN, 10 AFN, 20 AFN, 50 AFN, 100 AFN, 500 AFN, 1000 AFN
  • Coins: 1 afghani, 2 afghani, 5 afghani
  • USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 70-90 AFN per USD)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: Kabul
  • Population: 39,232,003 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 652,230 km²
  • Languages: Pashto (official), Dari (official), Uzbek, Turkmen
  • Time Zones: UTC+4:30 (Afghanistan Time)
  • Government Type: Islamic Emirate (de facto)
  • Head of Government: Supreme Leader
  • Independence: August 19, 1919 (from United Kingdom)
  • Ethnic Groups: Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, Other 4%
  • Religions: Sunni Muslim 84.7-89.7%, Shia Muslim 10-15%, Other 0.3%
  • Literacy Rate: 43% (2018 est.)
  • Transport: Limited road network, Kabul International Airport, developing rail connections
  • Communications: Growing telecommunications sector, moderate internet penetration
  • Energy: Hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, growing solar capacity
  • Countries Using This Currency: Afghanistan
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Da Afghanistan Bank, Economic Data: World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank, Trade Data: Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Demographic Data: Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization, Geographic Data: Afghanistan National Environmental Protection Agency, Historical Data: Da Afghanistan Bank archives
  • Last Updated: 2025