Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Pakistan is 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 12.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 9.8 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanSri Lanka| Population | +1009.7%241.5M | -91.0%21.8M |
| Area | +1113.4%796,095 km² | -91.8%65,610 km² |
| GDP | +275.5%$371.6B | -73.4%$99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | -67.3%$1,478.773 | +205.4%$4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.7%67.6 yrs | +14.5%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +845.3%50.1 | -89.4%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +35.3%5.4% | -26.1%4.0% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | LKR (Rs රු) |
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 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 241.5M residents compared to 21.8M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Sri Lanka averages 332 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 Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 3.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sri Lanka are on average 3.1 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 9.8 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 845% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 12.1 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sri Lanka has a GDP per capita of $4,515.568, which is 3.1x 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 Sri Lanka is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 1.1x more densely populated than Pakistan (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of Pakistan (77.5 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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 Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Pakistan is 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Sri Lanka?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Pakistan's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Sri Lanka?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Pakistan is 12.1 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Sri Lanka'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 Pakistan or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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-friendl...
Is Pakistan or Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better...
Is Pakistan or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, cl...
Is Pakistan or Sri Lanka more expensive to live in?
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Pakistan or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...