Afghanistan vs Peru
Afghanistan has a population of 43.8M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Afghanistan is 1.3 times more populous than Peru. Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.0 times larger than Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 11.7 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
AfghanistanPeru| Population | +27.6%43.8M | -21.7%34.4M |
| Area | -49.3%652,230 km² | +97.0%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | — | $289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -15.1%66.0 yrs | +17.7%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +273.3%50.4 | -73.2%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +160.9%13.4% | -61.7%5.1% |
| Capital | Kabul | Lima |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | AFN (؋) | PEN (S/ ) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Afghanistan is 1.3 times more populous than Peru, with 43.8M residents compared to 34.4M. Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Peru's GDP stands at $289.2B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 11.7 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 273% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Afghanistan (652,230 km²). Afghanistan shares borders with 6 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Afghanistan lies in Asia, while Peru is located in South America. Afghanistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Peru is in infant mortality: Afghanistan's 50.4 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Peru is in land area: Afghanistan's 652,230 km² compared to Peru's 1,285,216 km² represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Peru is in population: Afghanistan's 43.8M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Afghanistan's low-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Afghanistan is 2.5x more densely populated than Peru (67 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Afghanistan (77.7 vs 66.0 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
Afghanistan vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Afghanistan vs Peru for Budget Travelers
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Afghanistan vs Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Afghanistan vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Afghanistan or Peru by population?
Afghanistan is larger by population, with 43.8M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Afghanistan is 1.3 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Afghanistan or Peru?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Afghanistan and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Afghanistan's life expectancy is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Afghanistan or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Peru is 2.0 times larger than Afghanistan.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan and Peru?
Afghanistan recognizes the following languages: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Afghanistan or Peru?
Afghanistan has lower inflation at -6.6%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Afghanistan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Afghanistan or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Afghanistan or Peru cheaper to visit?
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better v...
Is Afghanistan or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Afghanistan or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...