Pakistan vs Nepal
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Pakistan is 8.1 times more populous than Nepal. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 8.7 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 5.4 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Nepal stands at 70.4 years, 2.7 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanNepal| Population | +707.4%241.5M | -87.6%29.9M |
| Area | +440.9%796,095 km² | -81.5%147,181 km² |
| GDP | +765.8%$371.6B | -88.5%$42.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2.2%$1,478.773 | -2.1%$1,447.31 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.8%67.6 yrs | +4.0%70.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +115.0%50.1 | -53.5%23.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -48.2%5.4% | +93.1%10.5% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Kathmandu |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Nepali |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | NPR (₨) |
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 8.1 times more populous than Nepal, with 241.5M residents compared to 29.9M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Nepal averages 203 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 Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 8.7 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Pakistan are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Nepal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 70.4 years in Nepal, a gap of 2.7 years. Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 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 115% higher than Nepal's 23.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Nepal borders 2 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Nepal's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Nepal 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 Nepal is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to Nepal's $42.9B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Nepal is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Nepal's 29.9M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Nepal is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km² represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Nepal's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Pakistan has a GDP per capita of $1,478.773, which is 1.0x that of Nepal ($1,447.31). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Pakistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.5x more densely populated than Nepal (303 vs 203 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nepal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Nepal live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Pakistan (70.4 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
Nepal's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nepal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Nepal for Families
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Nepal for Budget Travelers
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan 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 Nepal for Retirees
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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 Nepal Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nepal can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Nepal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Nepal covers 1. Nepal'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 Nepal by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Pakistan is 8.1 times more populous than Nepal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Nepal?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Nepal's $42.9B. Pakistan's economy is 8.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Nepal?
Nepal has a higher life expectancy at 70.4 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nepal's is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Nepal?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². Pakistan is 5.4 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Nepal?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Nepal recognizes: Nepali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Nepal?
Nepal has lower inflation at 4.7%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Nepal'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.
Is Pakistan or Nepal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal cheaper to visit?
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value in...
Is Pakistan or Nepal better for retirement?
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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, climat...
Is Pakistan or Nepal more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Pakistan or Nepal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Nepal covers 1. Nepal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...