Nepal vs Pakistan
Nepal has a population of 29.9M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 8.1 times more populous than Nepal. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 8.7 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 5.4 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Nepal stands at 70.4 years, 2.7 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
NepalPakistan| Population | -87.6%29.9M | +707.4%241.5M |
| Area | -81.5%147,181 km² | +440.9%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -88.5%$42.9B | +765.8%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -2.1%$1,447.31 | +2.2%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.0%70.4 yrs | -3.8%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.5%23.3 | +115.0%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +93.1%10.5% | -48.2%5.4% |
| Capital | Kathmandu | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Nepali | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | NPR (₨) | 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 8.1 times more populous than Nepal, with 241.5M residents compared to 29.9M. Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Nepal averages 203 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
Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 8.7 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% below 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 Pakistan are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Nepal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nepal is 70.4 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 2.7 years. Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 years below 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 115% higher than Nepal's 23.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Nepal shares borders with 2 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Nepal spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Nepal 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 Nepal and Pakistan is in GDP: Nepal's $42.9B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and Pakistan is in population: Nepal's 29.9M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and Pakistan is in land area: Nepal's 147,181 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nepal's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Pakistan has a GDP per capita of $1,478.773, which is 1.0x that of Nepal ($1,447.31). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Pakistan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.5x more densely populated than Nepal (303 vs 203 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nepal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Nepal live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Pakistan (70.4 vs 67.6 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
Nepal's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nepal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nepal vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nepal vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal 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.
Nepal vs Pakistan for Retirees
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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.
Nepal vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nepal can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Nepal vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Nepal'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, Nepal or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Pakistan is 8.1 times more populous than Nepal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nepal or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Nepal's $42.9B. Pakistan's economy is 8.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nepal and Pakistan?
Nepal has a higher life expectancy at 70.4 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Nepal's life expectancy is 1.6 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, Nepal or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². Pakistan is 5.4 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Nepal and Pakistan?
Nepal recognizes the following official language: Nepali. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nepal or Pakistan?
Nepal has lower inflation at 4.7%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Nepal'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 Nepal or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better value in...
Is Nepal or Pakistan better for retirement?
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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 Nepal or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Nepal or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Nepal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...