Helmand Province

Helmand (Pashto/Dari: هلمند) is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the southwest of the country. Its capital is Lashkar Gah. The Helmand River flows through the mainly desert region, providing water for irrigation.

Helmand هلمند‎
Province
Helmand River and the town of Grishk
Map of Afghanistan with Helmand highlighted
Coordinates (Capital): 31°00′N 64°00′E / 31.0°N 64.0°E / 31.0; 64.0
Country	Afghanistan
Capital	Lashkargah
Government
• Governor	Maulvi Abdul Ahad Talib
• Deputy Governor	Mulavi Hizbullah[1]
Area
• Total	58,584 km2 (22,619 sq mi)
Population  (2021)[2]
• Total	1,472,162
• Density	25/km2 (65/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+4:30 (Afghanistan Time)
ISO 3166 code	AF-HEL
Main languages	Pashto Dari

Helmand is the world's largest opium-producing region. It makes 75% of the world's total production.^[3][4] This is more than all of Burma, which is the second largest producing nation after Afghanistan. Afghan opium accounts for more than 90% of the global supply.

The current governor is Mohammad Golab Mangal (since March 2008).

Much of the fighting between NATO and Taliban forces is taking place in this province. Helmand is said to be a Taliban stronghold.