El SalvadorPakistan
El Salvador has a population of 6.0M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 40.0 times more populous than El Salvador. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 10.5 times larger than El Salvador's ($35.4B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 37.8 times larger than El Salvador's 21,041 km². Life expectancy in El Salvador stands at 72.1 years, 4.5 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
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El Salvador wins
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Pakistan wins
Metric
El SalvadorPakistan| Population | 6.0M | 241.5M |
| Area | 21,041 km² | 796,095 km² |
| GDP | $35.4B | $371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,579.66 | $1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.1 yrs | 67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 9.2 | 50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 5.4% |
| Capital | San Salvador | Islamabad |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | USD ($) | PKR (₨) |
Last updated: April 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 40.0 times more populous than El Salvador, with 241.5M residents compared to 6.0M. El Salvador is a nation of 6.0M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, El Salvador averages 287 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). El Salvador has grown at 0.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
El Salvador is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 10.5 times larger than El Salvador's ($35.4B). El Salvador's GDP per capita of $5,579.66 is 59% 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 El Salvador are on average 3.8 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in El Salvador is 72.1 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 4.5 years. El Salvador (72.1 years) is at 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 445% higher than El Salvador's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 37.8 times larger by land area than El Salvador (21,041 km²). El Salvador shares borders with 2 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. El Salvador spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. El Salvador lies in North America, while Pakistan is located in Asia. El Salvador is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between El Salvador and Pakistan is in population: El Salvador's 6.0M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between El Salvador and Pakistan is in land area: El Salvador's 21,041 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between El Salvador and Pakistan is in GDP: El Salvador's $35.4B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between El Salvador's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
El Salvador has a GDP per capita of $5,579.66, which is 3.8x 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 El Salvador is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.1x more densely populated than El Salvador (303 vs 287 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. El Salvador's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of El Salvador live an average of 4.5 years longer than those of Pakistan (72.1 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to El Salvador's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
El Salvador vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, El Salvador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 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 El Salvador's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
El Salvador 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 El Salvador. However, El Salvador may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
El Salvador vs Pakistan for Retirees
El Salvador's life expectancy of 72.1 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.
El Salvador vs Pakistan Cost of Living
El Salvador's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in El Salvador, 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 El Salvador's smaller cities.
El Salvador vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between El Salvador and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. El Salvador 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, El Salvador or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to El Salvador's 6.0M. Pakistan is 40.0 times more populous than El Salvador.
Which country has a higher GDP, El Salvador or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to El Salvador's $35.4B. Pakistan's economy is 10.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between El Salvador and Pakistan?
El Salvador has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.5 years. El Salvador's life expectancy is at 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, El Salvador or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to El Salvador's 21,041 km². Pakistan is 37.8 times larger than El Salvador.
What languages are spoken in El Salvador and Pakistan?
El Salvador recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, El Salvador or Pakistan?
El Salvador has lower inflation at 0.9%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. El Salvador'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 El Salvador or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, El Salvador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 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-frien...
Is El Salvador 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 El Salvador. However, El Salvador may offer be...
Is El Salvador or Pakistan better for retirement?
El Salvador's life expectancy of 72.1 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, ...
Is El Salvador or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
El Salvador's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in El Salvador, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is El Salvador or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between El Salvador and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. El Salvador spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...