Ghana vs Pakistan
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 7.2 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 3.3 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 2.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
GhanaPakistan| Population | -86.0%33.7M | +615.7%241.5M |
| Area | -70.0%238,533 km² | +233.7%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -77.8%$82.3B | +351.4%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +61.7%$2,390.772 | -38.1%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.2%65.5 yrs | +3.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -43.7%28.2 | +77.7%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -45.0%3.0% | +81.9%5.4% |
| Capital | Accra | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | 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 7.2 times more populous than Ghana, with 241.5M residents compared to 33.7M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 4.5 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above 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 Ghana are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 2.2 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 78% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Pakistan is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Pakistan is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Pakistan is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 1.6x 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 Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 2.1x more densely populated than Ghana (303 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of Ghana (67.6 vs 65.5 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
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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 Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ghana vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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.
Ghana vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, 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 Ghana's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana 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, Ghana or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Pakistan is 7.2 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Pakistan's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 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, Ghana or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Pakistan is 3.3 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Pakistan?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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 a...
Is Ghana 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value i...
Is Ghana or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Ghana or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Ghana or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...