Pakistan vs India

Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 10.5 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 4.1 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in India stands at 72.0 years, 4.4 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.

Metric
Flag of PakistanPakistan
Flag of IndiaIndia
Population
-83.0%241.5M
+487.0%1.42B
Area
-75.8%796,095 km²
+312.9%3,287,263 km²
GDP
-90.5%$371.6B
+952.3%$3.91T
GDP Per Capita
-45.1%$1,478.773
+82.2%$2,694.738
Life Expectancy
-6.0%67.6 yrs
+6.4%72.0 yrs
Infant Mortality
+104.5%50.1
-51.1%24.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+28.5%5.4%
-22.2%4.2%
Capital
Islamabad
New Delhi
Region
Asia
Asia
Languages
English, Urdu
English, Hindi, Tamil
Currencies
PKR (₨)
INR (₹)

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

India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan, with 1.42B residents compared to 241.5M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while India 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 India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.

Economy Comparison

Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 10.5 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. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of India are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 4.4 years. India (72.0 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 104% higher than India's 24.5.

Geographic Comparison

India (3,287,263 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and India are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Pakistan and India is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and India is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and India is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and India's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

India has a GDP per capita of $2,694.738, which is 1.8x 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 India is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

India is 1.4x more densely populated than Pakistan (431 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of India live an average of 4.4 years longer than those of Pakistan (72.0 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

India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Pakistan or India by population?

India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan.

Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or India?

India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. India's economy is 10.5 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and India?

India has a higher life expectancy at 72.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.

Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or India?

India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². India is 4.1 times larger than Pakistan.

What languages are spoken in Pakistan and India?

Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or India?

India has lower inflation at 5.0%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. India's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.