Which ethnic groups make up much of Afghanistan’s population?

Afghanistan is home to a complex mosaic of ethnic groups, though the lack of a national census since 1979 makes precise population counts impossible. Current estimates suggest the following composition:12

• Pashtuns: The largest ethnic group, comprising approximately two-fifths of the population. They are primarily concentrated in the east, south, and southwest, though they are represented throughout the country.13
• Tajiks: Accounting for roughly one-fourth of the population, Tajiks are the second-largest group and are found throughout Afghanistan, with a high concentration in the mountainous northeast.1
• Hazara and Uzbeks: Each of these groups constitutes nearly one-tenth of the population. The Hazara are primarily located in the central mountainous region of Hazarajat, while the Uzbeks, the largest Turkic-speaking group in the country, are concentrated in the north.12
• Other Groups: Smaller portions of the population include Turkmen, Chahar Aimak, Balochi, Brahui, Nuristani, and Kyrgyz.12