Papua New Guinea vs Pakistan
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 11.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.5 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaPakistan| Population | -95.1%11.8M | +1949.8%241.5M |
| Area | -41.9%462,840 km² | +72.0%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -91.4%$31.8B | +1068.4%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +103.3%$3,006.706 | -50.8%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.2%66.1 yrs | +2.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -36.1%32.0 | +56.6%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -52.6%2.6% | +110.8%5.4% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Islamabad |
| Region | Oceania | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | 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 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 241.5M residents compared to 11.8M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 11.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below 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 Papua New Guinea are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 1.5 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 57% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan is in population: Papua New Guinea's 11.8M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 2.0x 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 Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 11.9x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (303 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 1.5 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (67.6 vs 66.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Papua New Guinea vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone 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, Papua New Guinea or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Pakistan is 20.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Pakistan's economy is 11.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 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, Papua New Guinea or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Pakistan is 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Pakistan?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Pakistan?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Papua New Guinea'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 Papua New Guinea or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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...
Is Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea ma...
Is Papua New Guinea or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is Papua New Guinea or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Papua New Guinea or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for s...