Norway vs Pakistan
Norway has a population of 5.6M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 43.1 times more populous than Norway. Economically, Norway ($483.6B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 2.1 times larger than Norway's 386,224 km². Life expectancy in Norway stands at 83.1 years, 15.5 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
NorwayPakistan| Population | -97.7%5.6M | +4207.1%241.5M |
| Area | -51.5%386,224 km² | +106.1%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +30.1%$483.6B | -23.2%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +5768.7%$86,785.433 | -98.3%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.9%83.1 yrs | -18.6%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -96.2%1.9 | +2536.8%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -14.4%4.6% | +16.9%5.4% |
| Capital | Oslo | Islamabad |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | NOK (kr) | 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 43.1 times more populous than Norway, with 241.5M residents compared to 5.6M. Norway is a nation of 5.6M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Norway averages 15 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Norway is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Norway economy ($483.6B) is 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Norway's GDP per capita of $86,785.433 is 210% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Norway are on average 58.7 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Norway is 83.1 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 15.5 years. Norway (83.1 years) is 11.1 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 2537% higher than Norway's 1.9.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Norway (386,224 km²). Norway shares borders with 3 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Norway spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Norway lies in Europe, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Norway is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Norway and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Norway's $86,785.433 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and Pakistan is in population: Norway's 5.6M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Norway's 1.9 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Norway's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Norway has a GDP per capita of $86,785.433, which is 58.7x 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 Norway is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 20.9x more densely populated than Norway (303 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Norway's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Norway live an average of 15.5 years longer than those of Pakistan (83.1 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Norway's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Norway vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Norway generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 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 Norway's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Norway 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 Norway. However, Norway may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Norway vs Pakistan for Retirees
Norway's life expectancy of 83.1 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.
Norway vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Norway's GDP per capita is 58.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Norway, 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 Norway's smaller cities.
Norway vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Norway and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Norway 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, Norway or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Norway's 5.6M. Pakistan is 43.1 times more populous than Norway.
Which country has a higher GDP, Norway or Pakistan?
Norway has the higher GDP at $483.6B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Norway's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Norway and Pakistan?
Norway has a higher life expectancy at 83.1 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.5 years. Norway's life expectancy is 11.1 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, Norway or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Norway's 386,224 km². Pakistan is 2.1 times larger than Norway.
What languages are spoken in Norway and Pakistan?
Norway recognizes the following languages: Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Norway or Pakistan?
Norway has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Norway's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Norway or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Norway generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 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 a...
Is Norway 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 Norway. However, Norway may offer better value...
Is Norway or Pakistan better for retirement?
Norway's life expectancy of 83.1 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 Norway or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Norway's GDP per capita is 58.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Norway, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Norway or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Norway and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Norway spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...