The languages of Afghanistan

The Country of Afghanistan has a population of approximately 29 million people. Its capital city is Kabul with a population of around 3.5 million people.

In Afghanistan there are mainly 8 ethnic groups Pashtun 42%,Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, others 4%. The main languages spoken in the country are Afghan Persian or Dari which is the official language spoken by around 50% of the population. Pashto is also one of the official languages but only spoken by around 35% of the population. Turkic languages which are primarily Uzbek and Turkmen which equates to about 11% of the population and then there are around 30 minor languages Balochi and Pashai which is spoken by the other 4% of the population. With such a diverse range of languages there is much bilingualism.

Persian (Farsi) has the longest recorded history of any of the Iranian Languages it almost equals a time span of the Greek language. Persian (Farsi) is the national language of Iran and in the form of Tajik in Tajikistan; and in the form of Dari it is one of the national languages of Afghanistan.

For more information about our translation services into Dari, Farsi (Persian), Tajik, Uzbek and Turkmen  to ensure you are communicating the right message about your business please call +44 (0)1344 870700 or get in touch with us by emailing Network Languages >