Afghanistan vs Pakistan
Afghanistan has a population of 43.8M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan. Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.2 times larger than Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.6 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
AfghanistanPakistan| Population | -81.8%43.8M | +450.8%241.5M |
| Area | -18.1%652,230 km² | +22.1%796,095 km² |
| GDP | — | $371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.4%66.0 yrs | +2.4%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +0.6%50.4 | -0.6%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +146.3%13.4% | -59.4%5.4% |
| Capital | Kabul | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | AFN (؋) | 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 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan, with 241.5M residents compared to 43.8M. Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Pakistan's GDP stands at $371.6B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 1.6 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 1% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Afghanistan (652,230 km²). Afghanistan shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan 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 Afghanistan and Pakistan is in population: Afghanistan's 43.8M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Pakistan is in land area: Afghanistan's 652,230 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 18% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Pakistan is in life expectancy: Afghanistan's 66.0 years compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years represents a 2% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Afghanistan's low-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Pakistan is 4.5x more densely populated than Afghanistan (303 vs 67 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Afghanistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 1.6 years longer than those of Afghanistan (67.6 vs 66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Afghanistan vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan 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.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan 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.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Afghanistan or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Pakistan is 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Afghanistan or Pakistan?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.6 years. Afghanistan's life expectancy is 6.0 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, Afghanistan or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Pakistan is 1.2 times larger than Afghanistan.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Afghanistan recognizes the following languages: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Afghanistan or Pakistan?
Afghanistan has lower inflation at -6.6%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Afghanistan'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 Afghanistan or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Afghanistan or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer ...
Is Afghanistan or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Afghanistan or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...