Pakistan vs Sweden
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Pakistan is 22.8 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.8 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 15.7 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanSweden| Population | +2177.2%241.5M | -95.6%10.6M |
| Area | +76.8%796,095 km² | -43.4%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -38.5%$371.6B | +62.5%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.4%$1,478.773 | +3762.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.8%67.6 yrs | +23.2%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2405.0%50.1 | -96.0%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -37.7%5.4% | +60.4%8.7% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Swedish |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | SEK (kr) |
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 22.8 times more populous than Sweden, with 241.5M residents compared to 10.6M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). 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 Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.6 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 38.6 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 15.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 2405% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Pakistan lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Pakistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Sweden is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Sweden is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 38.6x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 12.9x more densely populated than Sweden (303 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 15.7 years longer than those of Pakistan (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 38.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Pakistan is 22.8 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Sweden's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.7 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Sweden?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Pakistan is 1.8 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Sweden?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 a...
Is Pakistan or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value...
Is Pakistan or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Pakistan or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 38.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Pakistan or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...