Laos vs Pakistan
Laos has a population of 7.6M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 31.6 times more populous than Laos. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 22.5 times larger than Laos's ($16.5B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 3.4 times larger than Laos's 236,800 km². Life expectancy in Laos stands at 69.0 years, 1.3 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
LaosPakistan| Population | -96.8%7.6M | +3058.1%241.5M |
| Area | -70.3%236,800 km² | +236.2%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -95.6%$16.5B | +2151.5%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +43.6%$2,123.979 | -30.4%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.9%69.0 yrs | -1.9%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -29.7%35.2 | +42.3%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -78.1%1.2% | +356.6%5.4% |
| Capital | Vientiane | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Lao | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | LAK (₭) | 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 31.6 times more populous than Laos, with 241.5M residents compared to 7.6M. Laos is a nation of 7.6M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Laos averages 32 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
Laos is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 22.5 times larger than Laos's ($16.5B). Laos's GDP per capita of $2,123.979 is 81% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Laos are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Laos is 69.0 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 1.3 years. Laos (69.0 years) is 3.0 years below 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 42% higher than Laos's 35.2.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Laos (236,800 km²). Laos shares borders with 5 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Laos spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Laos and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Laos and Pakistan is in population: Laos's 7.6M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Laos and Pakistan is in GDP: Laos's $16.5B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Laos and Pakistan is in land area: Laos's 236,800 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Laos's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Laos has a GDP per capita of $2,123.979, which is 1.4x 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 Laos is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 9.4x more densely populated than Laos (303 vs 32 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Laos's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Laos live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Pakistan (69.0 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
Laos's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Laos has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Laos vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Laos generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.2 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 Laos's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Laos 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 Laos. However, Laos may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Laos vs Pakistan for Retirees
Laos's life expectancy of 69.0 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.
Laos vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Laos's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Laos, 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 Laos's smaller cities.
Laos vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Laos and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Laos 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, Laos or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Laos's 7.6M. Pakistan is 31.6 times more populous than Laos.
Which country has a higher GDP, Laos or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Laos's $16.5B. Pakistan's economy is 22.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Laos and Pakistan?
Laos has a higher life expectancy at 69.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Laos's life expectancy is 3.0 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, Laos or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Laos's 236,800 km². Pakistan is 3.4 times larger than Laos.
What languages are spoken in Laos and Pakistan?
Laos recognizes the following official language: Lao. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Laos or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Laos's 23.1%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Laos's rate is severely elevated at 23.1%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Laos or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Laos generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.2 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 at...
Is Laos 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 Laos. However, Laos may offer better value in ...
Is Laos or Pakistan better for retirement?
Laos's life expectancy of 69.0 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...
Is Laos or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Laos's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Laos, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Laos or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Laos and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Laos spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....