Brunei vs Pakistan
Brunei has a population of 456K, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 530.2 times more populous than Brunei. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 24.2 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 138.1 times larger than Brunei's 5,765 km². Life expectancy in Brunei stands at 75.3 years, 7.7 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
BruneiPakistan| Population | -99.8%456K | +52918.5%241.5M |
| Area | -99.3%5,765 km² | +13709.1%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -95.9%$15.3B | +2322.1%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2142.0%$33,153.474 | -95.5%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.3%75.3 yrs | -10.2%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -83.6%8.2 | +511.0%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -2.6%5.3% | +2.7%5.4% |
| Capital | Bandar Seri Begawan | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Malay | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | BND ($), SGD ($) | PKR (₨) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Pakistan is 530.2 times more populous than Brunei, with 241.5M residents compared to 456K. Brunei is a nation of 456K people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Brunei averages 79 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Brunei is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 24.2 times larger than Brunei's ($15.3B). Brunei's GDP per capita of $33,153.474 is 196% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brunei are on average 22.4 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brunei is 75.3 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 7.7 years. Brunei (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 511% higher than Brunei's 8.2.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 138.1 times larger by land area than Brunei (5,765 km²). Brunei shares borders with 1 country, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Brunei spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Brunei and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brunei and Pakistan is in population: Brunei's 456K compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Pakistan is in land area: Brunei's 5,765 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Brunei and Pakistan is in GDP: Brunei's $15.3B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brunei's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brunei has a GDP per capita of $33,153.474, which is 22.4x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brunei is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 3.8x more densely populated than Brunei (303 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brunei's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brunei live an average of 7.7 years longer than those of Pakistan (75.3 vs 67.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Brunei's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brunei has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brunei vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Brunei generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brunei's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brunei vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brunei vs Pakistan for Retirees
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Brunei vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Brunei's GDP per capita is 22.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brunei, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Brunei's smaller cities.
Brunei vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Brunei or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Brunei's 456K. Pakistan is 530.2 times more populous than Brunei.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brunei or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Brunei's $15.3B. Pakistan's economy is 24.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brunei and Pakistan?
Brunei has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.7 years. Brunei's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brunei or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Brunei's 5,765 km². Pakistan is 138.1 times larger than Brunei.
What languages are spoken in Brunei and Pakistan?
Brunei recognizes the following official language: Malay. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brunei or Pakistan?
Brunei has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Brunei's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Brunei or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brunei generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Brunei or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brunei. However, Brunei may offer better value...
Is Brunei or Pakistan better for retirement?
Brunei's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Brunei or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Brunei's GDP per capita is 22.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brunei, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Brunei or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brunei and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brunei spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...