Pakistan vs Turkey
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Turkey. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.0 times larger than Turkey's 783,562 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 9.5 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanTurkey| Population | +181.9%241.5M | -64.5%85.7M |
| Area | +1.6%796,095 km² | -1.6%783,562 km² |
| GDP | -72.7%$371.6B | +265.8%$1.36T |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.7%$1,478.773 | +974.7%$15,892.716 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.3%67.6 yrs | +14.1%77.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +450.5%50.1 | -81.8%9.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -36.4%5.4% | +57.2%8.5% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Ankara |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Turkish |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | TRY (₺) |
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 2.8 times more populous than Turkey, with 241.5M residents compared to 85.7M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate). Turkey has grown at 1.14% 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 Turkey is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 3.7 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. Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Turkey are on average 10.7 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 77.2 years in Turkey, a gap of 9.5 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 451% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Turkey (783,562 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Turkey borders 8 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Turkey's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Turkey are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and Turkey is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Turkey's $15,892.716 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Turkey is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Turkey is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to Turkey's $1.36T represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Turkey's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 10.7x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 2.8x more densely populated than Turkey (303 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 9.5 years longer than those of Pakistan (77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Turkey for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Pakistan vs Turkey for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Pakistan vs Turkey Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Turkey for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Turkey 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, Pakistan or Turkey by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Turkey.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Turkey?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Turkey's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Turkey?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.5 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Turkey's is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Turkey?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km². Pakistan is 1.0 times larger than Turkey.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Turkey?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Turkey recognizes: Turkish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Turkey?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Pakistan or Turkey better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Pakistan or Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value...
Is Pakistan or Turkey better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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, clima...
Is Pakistan or Turkey more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 10.7x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Pakistan or Turkey better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Turkey covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...