Balkh Population 2026
Balkh has a population of 114,883, making it the #8 biggest city in 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, located in Balkh. Roughly 0.3% of Afghanistan's population lives here. It is about 39× smaller than Kabul, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
114,883
Rank in Afghanistan
#8
Coordinates
36.76°N, 66.90°E
~348 m elevation · Asia/Kabul
Distance to capital (Kabul)
322 km
200 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Balkh
| City | Population | Rank in Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|
| Mazār-e Sharīf | 523,300 | #3 |
| Khulm | 64,933 | #15 |
Cities near Balkh
- Mazār-e Sharīf523,300 people · ~20 km away
- Khulm64,933 people · ~72 km away
- Shibirghān55,641 people · ~102 km away
- Sar-e Pul52,121 people · ~105 km away
- Qarqīn15,018 people · ~106 km away
- Sang-e Chārak15,377 people · ~109 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Balkh?
Balkh has a population of 114,883 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #8 biggest city in Afghanistan.
What region is Balkh in?
Balkh is located in Balkh, Afghanistan.
Is Balkh the capital of Afghanistan?
No, the capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, about 322 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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