Pakistan: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Pakistan — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
212,215,030
#5 of 197 countries
Area
796,095 km²
#38 of 248 countries
Density
266.6 / km²
#54 of 245 countries

Pakistan has a population of 212,215,030 spread across 796,095 km², giving it an average density of 266.6 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Most Populous Cities

Lahore
13,004,135
11251 / km²
Karachi
11,624,219
37975 / km²
Peshawar
4,758,762
9877 / km²
Quetta
1,565,546
3647 / km²
Muzaffarabad
725,000
6815 / km²
Islamabad
601,600
5456 / km²
Jhang Sadr
341,210
9059 / km²
Mingora
279,914
7460 / km²
Gilgit
216,760
676 / km²
Shahkot
200,000
5883 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
23.2
Life Expectancy
70.3 yrs
Literacy Rate
58.9%
Government
federal parliamentary republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Pakistan is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 23% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$1,360
Cost of Living
23% of US
Inflation
30.8%
Inequality
29.6
Low