South Africa vs Pakistan
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 3.8 times more populous than South Africa. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 1.5 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.5 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaPakistan| Population | -73.9%63.1M | +282.7%241.5M |
| Area | +53.4%1,221,037 km² | -34.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +8.0%$401.1B | -7.4%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +323.8%$6,267.187 | -76.4%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.2%66.1 yrs | +2.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -51.3%24.4 | +105.3%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +497.6%32.4% | -83.3%5.4% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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 3.8 times more populous than South Africa, with 241.5M residents compared to 63.1M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 1.1 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above 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 South Africa are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa 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 South Africa (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 105% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Pakistan is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Pakistan is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 4.2x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 5.9x more densely populated than South Africa (303 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa'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 South Africa (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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Pakistan Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to South Africa's 63.1M. Pakistan is 3.8 times more populous than South Africa.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Pakistan?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. South Africa's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. South Africa'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, South Africa or Pakistan?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². South Africa is 1.5 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Pakistan?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Pakistan?
South Africa has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. South Africa'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 South Africa or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer ...
Is South Africa or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is South Africa or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is South Africa or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...