São Tomé and Príncipe vs Pakistan
São Tomé and Príncipe has a population of 210K, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 1152.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 451.9 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 825.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe stands at 69.7 years, 2.1 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
São Tomé and PríncipePakistan| Population | -99.9%210K | +115115.3%241.5M |
| Area | -99.9%964 km² | +82482.5%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -99.8%$822M | +45094.7%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +136.0%$3,490.569 | -57.6%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.1%69.7 yrs | -3.0%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -81.2%9.4 | +433.0%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +68.5%9.1% | -40.6%5.4% |
| Capital | São Tomé | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Portuguese | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | STN (Db) | 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 1152.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe, with 241.5M residents compared to 210K. São Tomé and Príncipe is a nation of 210K people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, São Tomé and Príncipe averages 217 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). São Tomé and Príncipe has grown at 1.80% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 451.9 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe's ($822M). São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita of $3,490.569 is 59% above 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 São Tomé and Príncipe are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in São Tomé and Príncipe is 69.7 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 2.1 years. São Tomé and Príncipe (69.7 years) is 2.3 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 433% higher than São Tomé and Príncipe's 9.4.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 825.8 times larger by land area than São Tomé and Príncipe (964 km²). São Tomé and Príncipe shares borders with 0 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. São Tomé and Príncipe lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. São Tomé and Príncipe is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan is in population: São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan is in land area: São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan is in GDP: São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 100% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between São Tomé and Príncipe's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
São Tomé and Príncipe has a GDP per capita of $3,490.569, which is 2.4x 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 São Tomé and Príncipe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 1.4x more densely populated than São Tomé and Príncipe (303 vs 217 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. São Tomé and Príncipe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe live an average of 2.1 years longer than those of Pakistan (69.7 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 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 São Tomé and Príncipe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
São Tomé and Príncipe 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 São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé and Príncipe may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Pakistan for Retirees
São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy of 69.7 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.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Pakistan Cost of Living
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, 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 São Tomé and Príncipe's smaller cities.
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe 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, São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 210K. Pakistan is 1152.2 times more populous than São Tomé and Príncipe.
Which country has a higher GDP, São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's $822M. Pakistan's economy is 451.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan?
São Tomé and Príncipe has a higher life expectancy at 69.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy is 2.3 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, São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 964 km². Pakistan is 825.8 times larger than São Tomé and Príncipe.
What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan?
São Tomé and Príncipe recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to São Tomé and Príncipe's 14.4%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while São Tomé and Príncipe's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.1 times the global median.
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, São Tomé and Príncipe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.4 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 fa...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe 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 São Tomé and Príncipe. However, São Tomé and P...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan better for retirement?
São Tomé and Príncipe's life expectancy of 69.7 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, healthcar...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
São Tomé and Príncipe's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in São Tomé and Príncipe, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost ...
Is São Tomé and Príncipe or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. São Tomé and Príncipe spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attrac...