Pakistan vs Afghanistan
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Pakistan is 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan. Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.2 times larger than Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.6 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
PakistanAfghanistan| Population | +450.8%241.5M | -81.8%43.8M |
| Area | +22.1%796,095 km² | -18.1%652,230 km² |
| GDP | $371.6B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,478.773 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +2.4%67.6 yrs | -2.4%66.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -0.6%50.1 | +0.6%50.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -59.4%5.4% | +146.3%13.4% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Kabul |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | AFN (؋) |
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 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan, with 241.5M residents compared to 43.8M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate). Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% 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 Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy. Pakistan's GDP stands at $371.6B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 66.0 years in Afghanistan, a gap of 1.6 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 1% higher than Pakistan's 50.1.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Afghanistan (652,230 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Afghanistan borders 6 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Afghanistan's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan 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 Pakistan and Afghanistan is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Afghanistan is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km² represents a 18% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Afghanistan is in life expectancy: Pakistan's 67.6 years compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years represents a 2% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and Afghanistan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Pakistan is 4.5x more densely populated than Afghanistan (303 vs 67 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Afghanistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 1.6 years longer than those of Afghanistan (67.6 vs 66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Afghanistan for Families
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Afghanistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Afghanistan's 43.8M. Pakistan is 5.5 times more populous than Afghanistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Afghanistan?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.6 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan's is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or Afghanistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Afghanistan's 652,230 km². Pakistan is 1.2 times larger than Afghanistan.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Afghanistan recognizes: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has lower inflation at -6.6%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Afghanistan'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 Pakistan or Afghanistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Pakistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (50.1 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Pakistan or Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan may offer be...
Is Pakistan or Afghanistan better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Pakistan or Afghanistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Afghanistan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...