Skip to content

New Zealand vs Pakistan

New Zealand has a population of 5.3M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 45.4 times more populous than New Zealand. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than New Zealand's ($260.2B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 3.0 times larger than New Zealand's 268,838 km². Life expectancy in New Zealand stands at 83.0 years, 15.4 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.

Metric
Flag of New ZealandNew Zealand
Flag of PakistanPakistan
Population
-97.8%5.3M
+4435.5%241.5M
Area
-66.2%268,838 km²
+196.1%796,095 km²
GDP
-30.0%$260.2B
+42.8%$371.6B
GDP Per Capita
+3227.4%$49,205.179
-97.0%$1,478.773
Life Expectancy
+22.7%83.0 yrs
-18.5%67.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-92.0%4.0
+1152.5%50.1
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-6.3%5.1%
+6.8%5.4%
Capital
Wellington
Islamabad
Region
Oceania
Asia
Languages
English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
English, Urdu
Currencies
NZD ($)
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 45.4 times more populous than New Zealand, with 241.5M residents compared to 5.3M. New Zealand is a nation of 5.3M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, New Zealand averages 20 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). New Zealand has grown at 1.59% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.

Economy Comparison

New Zealand is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 1.4 times larger than New Zealand's ($260.2B). New Zealand's GDP per capita of $49,205.179 is 56% above the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. 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 New Zealand are on average 33.3 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in New Zealand is 83.0 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 15.4 years. New Zealand (83.0 years) is 11.0 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 1153% higher than New Zealand's 4.0.

Geographic Comparison

Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than New Zealand (268,838 km²). New Zealand shares borders with 0 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. New Zealand spans 5 timezones, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. New Zealand lies in Oceania, while Pakistan is located in Asia. New Zealand is categorized within the Oceania region (Australia and New Zealand), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between New Zealand and Pakistan is in population: New Zealand's 5.3M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between New Zealand and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: New Zealand's $49,205.179 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between New Zealand and Pakistan is in infant mortality: New Zealand's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between New Zealand's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

New Zealand has a GDP per capita of $49,205.179, which is 33.3x 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 New Zealand is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Pakistan is 15.3x more densely populated than New Zealand (303 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. New Zealand's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of New Zealand live an average of 15.4 years longer than those of Pakistan (83.0 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

Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to New Zealand's 1.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

New Zealand vs Pakistan for Families

For family travel, New Zealand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 New Zealand's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

New Zealand 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 New Zealand. However, New Zealand may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

New Zealand vs Pakistan for Retirees

New Zealand's life expectancy of 83.0 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.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Cost of Living

New Zealand's GDP per capita is 33.3x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in New Zealand, 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 New Zealand's smaller cities.

New Zealand vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between New Zealand and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. New Zealand spans 5 timezones 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, New Zealand or Pakistan by population?

Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to New Zealand's 5.3M. Pakistan is 45.4 times more populous than New Zealand.

Which country has a higher GDP, New Zealand or Pakistan?

Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to New Zealand's $260.2B. Pakistan's economy is 1.4 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between New Zealand and Pakistan?

New Zealand has a higher life expectancy at 83.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.4 years. New Zealand's life expectancy is 11.0 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, New Zealand or Pakistan?

Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to New Zealand's 268,838 km². Pakistan is 3.0 times larger than New Zealand.

What languages are spoken in New Zealand and Pakistan?

New Zealand recognizes the following languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.

Which country has lower inflation, New Zealand or Pakistan?

New Zealand has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. New Zealand'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 New Zealand or Pakistan better for a family holiday?

For family travel, New Zealand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand. However, New Zealand may offer be...

Is New Zealand or Pakistan better for retirement?

New Zealand's life expectancy of 83.0 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, ...

Is New Zealand or Pakistan more expensive to live in?

New Zealand's GDP per capita is 33.3x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in New Zealand, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...

Is New Zealand or Pakistan better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between New Zealand and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. New Zealand spans 5 timezones while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...