Turkey vs Pakistan
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. 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.
TurkeyPakistan| Population | -64.5%85.7M | +181.9%241.5M |
| Area | -1.6%783,562 km² | +1.6%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +265.8%$1.36T | -72.7%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +974.7%$15,892.716 | -90.7%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.1%77.2 yrs | -12.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -81.8%9.1 | +450.5%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +57.2%8.5% | -36.4%5.4% |
| Capital | Ankara | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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 2.8 times more populous than Turkey, with 241.5M residents compared to 85.7M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 3.7 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above 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 Turkey are on average 10.7 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, 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). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Pakistan are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Pakistan is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-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
Turkey vs Pakistan 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.
Turkey 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 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.
Turkey vs Pakistan 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.
Turkey vs Pakistan 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.
Turkey vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or Pakistan 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, Turkey or Pakistan?
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 Turkey and Pakistan?
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. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above 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, Turkey or Pakistan?
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 Turkey and Pakistan?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Pakistan?
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 Turkey or Pakistan 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 Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value...
Is Turkey or Pakistan 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 Turkey or Pakistan 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 Turkey or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...