Nigeria vs Pakistan
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.2 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 13.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaPakistan| Population | -7.3%223.8M | +7.9%241.5M |
| Area | +16.0%923,768 km² | -13.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -32.1%$252.3B | +47.3%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -26.7%$1,084.16 | +36.4%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.5%54.5 yrs | +24.2%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +20.0%60.1 | -16.6%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.5%3.1% | +76.9%5.4% |
| Capital | Abuja | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria, with 241.5M residents compared to 223.8M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Pakistan are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 13.2 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 20% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Pakistan is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 27% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Pakistan is in life expectancy: Nigeria's 54.5 years compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years represents a 19% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Pakistan has a GDP per capita of $1,478.773, which is 1.4x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Pakistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.3x more densely populated than Nigeria (303 vs 242 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nigeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 13.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (67.6 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Pakistan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nigeria vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Pakistan is 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Pakistan's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below 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, Nigeria or Pakistan?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Nigeria is 1.2 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Pakistan?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Nigeria or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better valu...
Is Nigeria or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Nigeria or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Nigeria or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...