Pakistan vs South Africa
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to South Africa's 63.1M. Pakistan is 3.8 times more populous than South Africa. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 1.5 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Pakistan stands at 67.6 years, 1.5 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
PakistanSouth Africa| Population | +282.7%241.5M | -73.9%63.1M |
| Area | -34.8%796,095 km² | +53.4%1,221,037 km² |
| GDP | -7.4%$371.6B | +8.0%$401.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -76.4%$1,478.773 | +323.8%$6,267.187 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.3%67.6 yrs | -2.2%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +105.3%50.1 | -51.3%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -83.3%5.4% | +497.6%32.4% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Pretoria |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | ZAR (R) |
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 3.8 times more populous than South Africa, with 241.5M residents compared to 63.1M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 1.1 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Africa are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in South Africa, a gap of 1.5 years. Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 105% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while South Africa borders 6 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to South Africa's 1 timezone. Pakistan lies in Asia, while South Africa is located in Africa. Pakistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas South Africa belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Africa is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to South Africa's $6,267.187 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Africa is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to South Africa's 63.1M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Africa is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy and South Africa's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 4.2x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 5.9x more densely populated than South Africa (303 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Pakistan live an average of 1.5 years longer than those of South Africa (67.6 vs 66.1 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 South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs South Africa for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa 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 South Africa for Retirees
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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 South Africa Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs South Africa for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and South Africa, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while South Africa 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, Pakistan or South Africa by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to South Africa's 63.1M. Pakistan is 3.8 times more populous than South Africa.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or South Africa?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. South Africa's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and South Africa?
Pakistan has a higher life expectancy at 67.6 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Africa's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Pakistan or South Africa?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². South Africa is 1.5 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and South Africa?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. South Africa recognizes: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or South Africa?
South Africa has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. South Africa's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Pakistan or South Africa better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 ...
Is Pakistan or South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer ...
Is Pakistan or South Africa better for retirement?
Pakistan's life expectancy of 67.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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 South Africa more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Pakistan or South Africa better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and South Africa, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while South Africa covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...