Based on the given text, what is the population growth rate of Afghanistan since 1979?

Context: The population of Afghanistan was estimated at 32.9 million as of 2019 by the Afghanistan Statistics and Information Authority, whereas the UN estimates over 38.0 million. In 1979 the total population was reported to be about 15.5 million. About 23.9% of them are urbanite, 71.4% live in rural areas, and the remaining 4.7% are nomadic. An additional 3 million or so Afghans are temporarily housed in neighboring Pakistan and Iran, most of whom were born and raised in those two countries.

Answer: There are varying accounts of the population of Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Statistics and Information Authority estimated the population at 32.9 million in 2019 whereas the UN estimates it at 38.90 million. In 1979 the total population was reported to be about 15.5 million. Using the following formula:

Percentage Increase = ((Final Value - Starting Value)/(Starting Value)) * 100

Using the Afghan Statistics and Information Authority Estimate:

Percentage Increase = ((32.9 - 15.5)/(15.5)) * 100 = 112.25%

Using the UN Estimate:

Percentage Increase = ((38.90 - 15.5)/(15.5)) * 100 = 150.96%

Therefore, the percentage growth rate of the population of Afghanistan is either 112.25% (Afghan Statistics and Information Authority) or 150.96% (UN) based on the two estimates provided.