Mali vs Pakistan
Mali has a population of 22.4M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 10.8 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 13.9 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 1.6 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 7.2 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
MaliPakistan| Population | -90.7%22.4M | +978.3%241.5M |
| Area | +55.8%1,240,192 km² | -35.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -92.8%$26.8B | +1286.7%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -26.0%$1,094.619 | +35.1%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.7%60.4 yrs | +11.9%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +15.0%57.6 | -13.0%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -47.8%2.8% | +91.5%5.4% |
| Capital | Bamako | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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 10.8 times more populous than Mali, with 241.5M residents compared to 22.4M. Mali is a nation of 22.4M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Mali is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 13.9 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% 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 1.4 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 7.2 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 15% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Mali shares borders with 7 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Mali spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Mali lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Mali is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mali and Pakistan is in GDP: Mali's $26.8B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Pakistan is in population: Mali's 22.4M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Pakistan is in land area: Mali's 1,240,192 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mali'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 1.4x that of Mali ($1,094.619). 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 16.8x more densely populated than Mali (303 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 7.2 years longer than those of Mali (67.6 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mali vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Pakistan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mali vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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.
Mali vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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.
Mali vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Mali vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Mali'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, Mali or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Pakistan is 10.8 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mali or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Pakistan's economy is 13.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mali and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.2 years. Mali's life expectancy is 11.6 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, Mali or Pakistan?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Mali is 1.6 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Mali and Pakistan?
Mali recognizes the following official language: French. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mali or Pakistan?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Mali'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 Mali or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Mali or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value in ...
Is Mali or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Mali or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Mali or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...