Ethiopia vs Pakistan
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 2.2 times more populous than Ethiopia. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.4 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 0.3 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaPakistan| Population | -53.8%111.7M | +116.3%241.5M |
| Area | +38.7%1,104,300 km² | -27.9%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -59.7%$149.7B | +148.1%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -23.3%$1,133.883 | +30.4%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.5%67.3 yrs | +0.5%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -28.7%35.7 | +40.3%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -38.7%3.3% | +63.1%5.4% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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 2.2 times more populous than Ethiopia, with 241.5M residents compared to 111.7M. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 2.5 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below 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 Pakistan are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 0.3 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 40% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Pakistan is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Pakistan is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 29% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-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 1.3x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). 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 3.0x more densely populated than Ethiopia (303 vs 101 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ethiopia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Ethiopia (67.6 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Pakistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Ethiopia's 111.7M. Pakistan is 2.2 times more populous than Ethiopia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Pakistan's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Pakistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or Pakistan?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Ethiopia is 1.4 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Pakistan?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 coun...
Is Ethiopia or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better v...
Is Ethiopia or Pakistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Ethiopia or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ethiopia or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...