Pakistan vs Nigeria
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Pakistan is 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.2 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 13.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
PakistanNigeria| Population | +7.9%241.5M | -7.3%223.8M |
| Area | -13.8%796,095 km² | +16.0%923,768 km² |
| GDP | +47.3%$371.6B | -32.1%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +36.4%$1,478.773 | -26.7%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +24.2%67.6 yrs | -19.5%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -16.6%50.1 | +20.0%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +76.9%5.4% | -43.5%3.1% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Urdu | English |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | NGN (₦) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria, with 241.5M residents compared to 223.8M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 1.5 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Pakistan are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 13.2 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 20% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Pakistan lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Pakistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and Nigeria is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 27% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Nigeria is in life expectancy: Pakistan's 67.6 years compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years represents a 19% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Pakistan has a GDP per capita of $1,478.773, which is 1.4x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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 1.3x more densely populated than Nigeria (303 vs 242 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Nigeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 13.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (67.6 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Pakistan vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Pakistan vs Nigeria for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Pakistan vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Pakistan's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Pakistan or Nigeria by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Pakistan is 1.1 times more populous than Nigeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Nigeria?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Pakistan's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Nigeria?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.2 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Nigeria is 1.2 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Nigeria?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Nigeria recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Nigeria?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Pakistan or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Pakistan or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Pakistan. However, Pakistan may offer better valu...
Is Pakistan or Nigeria better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Pakistan or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Pakistan's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Pakistan, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Pakistan or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...