Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Pakistan is 1.4 times more populous than Bangladesh. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 5.4 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanBangladesh| Population | +42.2%241.5M | -29.7%169.8M |
| Area | +439.5%796,095 km² | -81.5%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -17.5%$371.6B | +21.1%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -43.0%$1,478.773 | +75.4%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.4%67.6 yrs | +10.4%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +105.3%50.1 | -51.3%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +43.5%5.4% | -30.3%3.8% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Bengali |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | BDT (৳) |
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 1.4 times more populous than Bangladesh, with 241.5M residents compared to 169.8M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 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 Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 1.2 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. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh 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 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 7.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 105% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Bangladesh is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Bangladesh is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Bangladesh's $2,593.416 represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, 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 Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 3.8x more densely populated than Pakistan (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Pakistan (74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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 Bangladesh Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, 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 Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Pakistan is 1.4 times more populous than Bangladesh.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Bangladesh's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Bangladesh?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Pakistan is 5.4 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has lower inflation at 10.5%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Bangladesh's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Pakistan or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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-frien...
Is Pakistan or Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer bett...
Is Pakistan or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, c...
Is Pakistan or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Pakistan or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...