The Opium War
Just how much of the Afghan economy depends on the world's junkies?
AFGHAN OPIUM PRODUCTION
Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC)
The Audacity of Dope
Afghan opium production at its peak, in 2007: 18 million pounds
Share of illicit global market: 93%
Share of Afghan GDP: 53%
Estimated export value: $4 billion
Share of population involved in opium trade: more than 12%
Gross farm income per acre of poppies: $2,105; per acre of wheat: $221
Acres of poppy fields eradicated in 2007: 47,046
Acres grown: 476,710
Acres of coca grown in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia (total): 448,743
Share of Afghan opium grown in Helmand Province: 42%
Pounds seized in 2005 from offices of Helmand's governor: 19,841
Source: UNODC; CRS
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