Sri LankaPakistan
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 12.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 9.8 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
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Sri Lanka wins
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Pakistan wins
Metric
Sri LankaPakistan| Population | 21.8M | 241.5M |
| Area | 65,610 km² | 796,095 km² |
| GDP | $99.0B | $371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,515.568 | $1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.5 yrs | 67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 5.3 | 50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.0% | 5.4% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | PKR (₨) |
Last updated: April 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 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 241.5M residents compared to 21.8M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 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
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 3.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% 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 Sri Lanka are on average 3.1 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 9.8 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 845% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 12.1 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka and Pakistan is in land area: Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is in population: Sri Lanka's 21.8M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sri Lanka has a GDP per capita of $4,515.568, which is 3.1x 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 Sri Lanka is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 1.1x more densely populated than Pakistan (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of Pakistan (77.5 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka 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, Sri Lanka or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Pakistan is 11.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Pakistan's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Pakistan?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 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, Sri Lanka or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Pakistan is 12.1 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Pakistan?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Pakistan?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Sri Lanka'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 Sri Lanka or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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-friendl...
Is Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better...
Is Sri Lanka or Pakistan better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, cl...
Is Sri Lanka or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Sri Lanka or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...