Guatemala vs Pakistan
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 13.4 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 3.3 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 7.3 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 5.0 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
GuatemalaPakistan| Population | -92.5%18.1M | +1235.7%241.5M |
| Area | -86.3%108,889 km² | +631.1%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -69.5%$113.2B | +228.2%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +315.9%$6,150.026 | -76.0%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.3%72.6 yrs | -6.8%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -64.3%17.9 | +179.9%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -52.0%2.6% | +108.1%5.4% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Islamabad |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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 13.4 times more populous than Guatemala, with 241.5M residents compared to 18.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 3.3 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Guatemala are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 5.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 180% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 7.3 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Pakistan is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Pakistan is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 4.2x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.8x more densely populated than Guatemala (303 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Pakistan (72.6 vs 67.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Pakistan for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala 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, Guatemala or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Pakistan is 13.4 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Pakistan's economy is 3.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Pakistan?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Pakistan is 7.3 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Pakistan?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Pakistan?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Guatemala'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 Guatemala or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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-friend...
Is Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better...
Is Guatemala or Pakistan better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, cl...
Is Guatemala or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Guatemala or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...