RwandaPakistan
Rwanda has a population of 14.1M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 17.1 times more populous than Rwanda. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 26.1 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 30.2 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Rwanda stands at 67.8 years, 0.1 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
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Rwanda wins
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Pakistan wins
Metric
RwandaPakistan| Population | 14.1M | 241.5M |
| Area | 26,338 km² | 796,095 km² |
| GDP | $14.3B | $371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $999.655 | $1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | 67.8 yrs | 67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 30.5 | 50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 11.4% | 5.4% |
| Capital | Kigali | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, French, Kinyarwanda | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | RWF (Fr) | PKR (₨) |
Last updated: April 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 17.1 times more populous than Rwanda, with 241.5M residents compared to 14.1M. Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 26.1 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Pakistan are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Rwanda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Rwanda is 67.8 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 0.1 years. Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 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 64% higher than Rwanda's 30.5.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 30.2 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Rwanda shares borders with 4 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Rwanda spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Rwanda lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Rwanda is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Rwanda and Pakistan is in land area: Rwanda's 26,338 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Rwanda and Pakistan is in GDP: Rwanda's $14.3B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Rwanda and Pakistan is in population: Rwanda's 14.1M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Rwanda's low-income economy and Pakistan'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 1.5x that of Rwanda ($999.655). 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
Rwanda is 1.8x more densely populated than Pakistan (536 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 Rwanda live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Pakistan (67.8 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
Rwanda's economy grew at 8.9% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Rwanda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Rwanda vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 Rwanda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Rwanda vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda 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.
Rwanda vs Pakistan for Retirees
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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.
Rwanda vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Rwanda can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Rwanda vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Rwanda and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Rwanda spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Rwanda'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, Rwanda or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Pakistan is 17.1 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Rwanda or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Rwanda's $14.3B. Pakistan's economy is 26.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Rwanda and Pakistan?
Rwanda has a higher life expectancy at 67.8 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Rwanda's life expectancy is 4.2 years below 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, Rwanda or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Pakistan is 30.2 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Rwanda and Pakistan?
Rwanda recognizes the following languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Rwanda or Pakistan?
Rwanda has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Rwanda'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.
Is Rwanda or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 ...
Is Rwanda or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value i...
Is Rwanda or Pakistan better for retirement?
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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 Rwanda or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Rwanda or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Rwanda and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Rwanda spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...