Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Pakistan is 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 11.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.5 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
PakistanPapua New Guinea| Population | +1949.8%241.5M | -95.1%11.8M |
| Area | +72.0%796,095 km² | -41.9%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +1068.4%$371.6B | -91.4%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -50.8%$1,478.773 | +103.3%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.3%67.6 yrs | -2.2%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +56.6%50.1 | -36.1%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +110.8%5.4% | -52.6%2.6% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Port Moresby |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | English, Urdu | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | PGK (K) |
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 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 241.5M residents compared to 11.8M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 11.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 1.5 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 57% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Pakistan lies in Asia, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Pakistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 2.0x 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 Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 11.9x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (303 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 1.5 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (67.6 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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, Pakistan or Papua New Guinea by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Pakistan is 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Papua New Guinea?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Pakistan's economy is 11.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Papua New Guinea?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Pakistan is 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Papua New Guinea?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Papua New Guinea'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 Pakistan or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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...
Is Pakistan or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea ma...
Is Pakistan or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is Pakistan or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Pakistan or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for s...