Badghis Province (Persian/Dari: بادغیس; Pashto: بادغیس) lies in northwestern Afghanistan, between the Murghab and Hari rivers and extending toward the edge of the Sarakhs desert. Its administrative centre is Qala‑i‑Naw. The province is one of the thirty-four first-level divisions of Afghanistan and forms part of the historical region commonly known as Khorasan.

Geography and environment

Badghis features a mix of riverine valleys, seasonal floodplains and arid uplands. The Murghab and Hari rivers supply much of the scarce irrigation, enabling pockets of cultivation and orchards. Large areas are vulnerable to drought, desertification and soil erosion; vegetation loss and overgrazing have put pressure on local ecosystems and traditional pastoral systems.

People and society

The province is ethnically and linguistically diverse: Dari (Persian) and Pashto are widely used alongside local dialects and the languages of groups such as the Aimaq. Communities are often organized around village councils, tribal networks and extended kinship ties. Social and economic life is predominantly rural, with seasonal movements tied to grazing and agriculture.

Economy and infrastructure

Economic activity is largely subsistence-oriented. Typical livelihoods include:

  • Small-scale farming where irrigation permits cultivation of cereals and orchards.
  • Livestock herding and associated pastoral practices.
  • Local trade and market services in towns such as Qala‑i‑Naw.

Outside urban centres, infrastructure such as paved roads, healthcare and schools is limited. Recurrent natural shocks and insecurity have constrained development and access to public services.

History, administration and notable facts

Badghis has a long history as part of Greater Khorasan, influenced by successive regional powers. In the modern era it has experienced the effects of national conflict, which have impacted governance, humanitarian access and reconstruction efforts. The province is administered through a provincial capital and multiple districts, with a mix of national officials and local leaders involved in day-to-day administration.