Japan vs Pakistan
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 2.0 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 10.8 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 2.1 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 16.4 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
JapanPakistan| Population | -49.0%123.2M | +96.0%241.5M |
| Area | -52.5%377,930 km² | +110.6%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +983.9%$4.03T | -90.8%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2096.9%$32,487.078 | -95.4%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +24.2%84.0 yrs | -19.5%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -96.4%1.8 | +2683.3%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -54.8%2.5% | +121.1%5.4% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Japanese | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | 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 2.0 times more populous than Japan, with 241.5M residents compared to 123.2M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 10.8 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Japan are on average 22.0 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 16.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2683% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Japan and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Pakistan is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 22.0x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 1.1x more densely populated than Pakistan (326 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 16.4 years longer than those of Pakistan (84.0 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 Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Japan vs Pakistan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
Japan vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 22.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan 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, Japan or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. Pakistan is 2.0 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Pakistan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Japan's economy is 10.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Pakistan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.4 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above 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, Japan or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Pakistan is 2.1 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Pakistan?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Pakistan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Japan'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 Japan or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 at...
Is Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value i...
Is Japan or Pakistan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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, climat...
Is Japan or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 22.0x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Japan or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...