Pakistan vs China
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 5.8 times more populous than Pakistan. Economically, China ($18.74T) has a GDP 50.4 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). China covers 9,706,961 km², 12.2 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 10.3 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanChina| Population | -82.9%241.5M | +483.1%1.41B |
| Area | -91.8%796,095 km² | +1119.3%9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | -98.0%$371.6B | +4944.5%$18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.9%$1,478.773 | +799.6%$13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.2%67.6 yrs | +15.2%78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1013.3%50.1 | -91.0%4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +17.4%5.4% | -14.9%4.6% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Beijing |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Chinese |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | CNY (¥) |
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
China is 5.8 times more populous than Pakistan, with 1.41B residents compared to 241.5M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). China has grown at 0.34% 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 China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The China economy ($18.74T) is 50.4 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of China are on average 9.0 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 10.3 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 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 1013% higher than China's 4.5.
Geographic Comparison
China (9,706,961 km²) is 12.2 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and China are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and China is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to China's $18.74T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and China is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and China is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to China's 4.5 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
China has a GDP per capita of $13,303.148, which is 9.0x 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 China is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 2.1x more densely populated than China (303 vs 145 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. China's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of China live an average of 10.3 years longer than those of Pakistan (78.0 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
China's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though China has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Pakistan or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. China is 5.8 times more populous than Pakistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or China?
China has the higher GDP at $18.74T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. China's economy is 50.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and China?
China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.3 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or China?
China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². China is 12.2 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and China?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or China?
China has lower inflation at 0.2%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. China'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.