Mauritania vs Pakistan
Mauritania has a population of 4.9M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 49.0 times more populous than Mauritania. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 34.1 times larger than Mauritania's ($10.9B). Mauritania covers 1,030,700 km², 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Mauritania stands at 68.5 years, 0.8 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
MauritaniaPakistan| Population | -98.0%4.9M | +4801.0%241.5M |
| Area | +29.5%1,030,700 km² | -22.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -97.1%$10.9B | +3306.4%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +42.7%$2,110.12 | -29.9%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.2%68.5 yrs | -1.2%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -38.1%31.0 | +61.6%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +90.4%10.3% | -47.5%5.4% |
| Capital | Nouakchott | Islamabad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | MRU (UM) | 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 49.0 times more populous than Mauritania, with 241.5M residents compared to 4.9M. Mauritania is a nation of 4.9M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mauritania averages 5 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Mauritania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 34.1 times larger than Mauritania's ($10.9B). Mauritania's GDP per capita of $2,110.12 is near 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 Mauritania are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 0.8 years. Mauritania (68.5 years) is 3.5 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 62% higher than Mauritania's 31.0.
Geographic Comparison
Mauritania (1,030,700 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Mauritania shares borders with 4 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Mauritania spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Mauritania lies in Africa, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Mauritania is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mauritania and Pakistan is in population: Mauritania's 4.9M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Mauritania and Pakistan is in GDP: Mauritania's $10.9B compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Mauritania and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Mauritania's 31.0 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mauritania's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mauritania has a GDP per capita of $2,110.12, which is 1.4x 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 Mauritania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 63.5x more densely populated than Mauritania (303 vs 5 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mauritania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mauritania live an average of 0.8 years longer than those of Pakistan (68.5 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
Mauritania's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Mauritania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Mauritania vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Mauritania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.0 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 Mauritania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mauritania 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 Mauritania. However, Mauritania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mauritania vs Pakistan for Retirees
Mauritania's life expectancy of 68.5 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.
Mauritania vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Mauritania's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mauritania, 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 Mauritania's smaller cities.
Mauritania vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mauritania and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mauritania 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, Mauritania or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Mauritania's 4.9M. Pakistan is 49.0 times more populous than Mauritania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mauritania or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Mauritania's $10.9B. Pakistan's economy is 34.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mauritania and Pakistan?
Mauritania has a higher life expectancy at 68.5 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.8 years. Mauritania's life expectancy is 3.5 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, Mauritania or Pakistan?
Mauritania is larger by land area, covering 1,030,700 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Mauritania is 1.3 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Mauritania and Pakistan?
Mauritania recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mauritania or Pakistan?
Mauritania has lower inflation at 2.5%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Mauritania'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 Mauritania or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mauritania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.0 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 co...
Is Mauritania 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 Mauritania. However, Mauritania may offer bett...
Is Mauritania or Pakistan better for retirement?
Mauritania's life expectancy of 68.5 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, c...
Is Mauritania or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Mauritania's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mauritania, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Mauritania or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mauritania and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mauritania spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...