IrelandPakistan
Ireland has a population of 5.5M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 44.2 times more populous than Ireland. Economically, Ireland ($609.2B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 11.3 times larger than Ireland's 70,273 km². Life expectancy in Ireland stands at 82.9 years, 15.2 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
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Ireland wins
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Pakistan wins
Metric
IrelandPakistan| Population | 5.5M | 241.5M |
| Area | 70,273 km² | 796,095 km² |
| GDP | $609.2B | $371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $112,894.953 | $1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | 82.9 yrs | 67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.4 | 50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Capital | Dublin | Islamabad |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | English, Irish | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | PKR (₨) |
Last updated: April 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 44.2 times more populous than Ireland, with 241.5M residents compared to 5.5M. Ireland is a nation of 5.5M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ireland averages 78 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Ireland has grown at 1.40% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Ireland is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ireland economy ($609.2B) is 1.6 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Ireland's GDP per capita of $112,894.953 is 303% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Ireland are on average 76.3 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ireland is 82.9 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 15.2 years. Ireland (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above 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 1374% higher than Ireland's 3.4.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 11.3 times larger by land area than Ireland (70,273 km²). Ireland shares borders with 1 country, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Ireland spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Ireland lies in Europe, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Ireland is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ireland and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Ireland's $112,894.953 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Ireland and Pakistan is in population: Ireland's 5.5M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Ireland and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Ireland's 3.4 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ireland's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ireland has a GDP per capita of $112,894.953, which is 76.3x 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 Ireland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 3.9x more densely populated than Ireland (303 vs 78 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ireland's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ireland live an average of 15.2 years longer than those of Pakistan (82.9 vs 67.6 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Ireland's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Ireland vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Ireland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 Ireland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ireland 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 Ireland. However, Ireland may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ireland vs Pakistan for Retirees
Ireland's life expectancy of 82.9 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.
Ireland vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Ireland's GDP per capita is 76.3x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ireland, 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 Ireland's smaller cities.
Ireland vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ireland and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ireland 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, Ireland or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Ireland's 5.5M. Pakistan is 44.2 times more populous than Ireland.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ireland or Pakistan?
Ireland has the higher GDP at $609.2B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Ireland's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ireland and Pakistan?
Ireland has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.2 years. Ireland's life expectancy is 10.9 years above 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, Ireland or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Ireland's 70,273 km². Pakistan is 11.3 times larger than Ireland.
What languages are spoken in Ireland and Pakistan?
Ireland recognizes the following languages: English, Irish. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ireland or Pakistan?
Ireland has lower inflation at 2.1%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Ireland'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 Ireland or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ireland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 ...
Is Ireland 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 Ireland. However, Ireland may offer better val...
Is Ireland or Pakistan better for retirement?
Ireland's life expectancy of 82.9 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, clim...
Is Ireland or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Ireland's GDP per capita is 76.3x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ireland, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Ireland or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ireland and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ireland spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...