Poverty and living standards in Helmand, Afghanistan: official figures
32.1% of people in Helmand were in the poorest fifth of Afghan households by the survey's wealth index (housing, assets and services) in 2022-23, and 7.4% in the richest fifth; the share in the poorest fifth is 8th highest of the 34 provinces (20% for the country by definition).
How many children in Helmand work?
31.4% of children aged 5 to 17 in Helmand were in child labour in the week before the 2022-23 survey, 3rd highest of the 34 provinces (Afghanistan: 19.3%).
Source: UNICEF Afghanistan in collaboration with the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) · saved copyHow common is child marriage in Helmand?
37.0% of women aged 20 to 24 in Helmand were first married before the age of 18, and 13.3% before 15; 9th highest of the 34 provinces for marriage before 18 (Afghanistan: 28.7% and 9.6%).
Source: UNICEF Afghanistan in collaboration with the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) · saved copyAre births registered in Helmand?
The births of 37.5% of children under five in Helmand were registered with the National Statistics and Information Authority in 2022-23, joint 11th lowest of the 34 provinces (Afghanistan: 47.8%).
Source: UNICEF Afghanistan in collaboration with the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) · saved copyHow are children disciplined in Helmand?
92.0% of children aged 1 to 14 in Helmand experienced violent discipline (physical punishment or shouting and insults) at home in the month before the survey, 11th highest of the 34 provinces (Afghanistan: 87.6%).
Source: UNICEF Afghanistan in collaboration with the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) · saved copyHow Helmand compares with other provinces
People in the poorest fifth of Afghan households (wealth index) (2022-23)
Helmand ranks 8 of 34, highest first. 20% nationally by definition
| Rank | Region | People in the poorest fifth of Afghan households (wealth index) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Farah | 40.7% |
| 6 | Baghlan | 36.4% |
| 7 | Nuristan | 34.4% |
| 8 | Helmand | 32.1% |
| 9 | Uruzgan | 30.1% |
| 10 | Sar-e-Pul | 29.0% |
| 11 | Zabul | 28.4% |
Children aged 5-17 in child labour (2022-23)
Helmand ranks 3 of 34, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Children aged 5-17 in child labour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khost | 44.7% |
| 2 | Bamyan | 36.2% |
| 3 | Helmand | 31.4% |
| 4 | Samangan | 30.7% |
| 5 | Daykundi | 29.5% |
| 6 | Takhar | 28.1% |
| 7 | Kandahar | 27.8% |
More on Helmand: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · Afghanistan
Sources
- UNICEF Afghanistan in collaboration with the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA): Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2022-23, Survey Findings Report (province tables), read 27 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 1469591017d8…)
Each saved copy is the file exactly as downloaded, kept so the figures can be checked even if the source changes. Report an error.