Population of Pakistan

Pakistan has an estimated 2026 population of approximately 259 million, establishing it as the 5th most populous nation in the world. According to the latest ranking, the country holds the 2nd position in Southern Asia and 4th within the broader Asian region. With a current estimate of 336 people per km² (870 per sq mi), the population is heavily concentrated along the Indus River valley, while approximately 39.2% of residents live in urban centers. The country continues to experience steady expansion, driven by a fertility rate that remains among the highest in the region.

The territory that comprises modern Pakistan has been a major demographic center for millennia, serving as the heart of the Indus Valley Civilization as early as 3300 BCE. Following the partition of British India in August 1947, the region experienced one of the largest mass migrations in human history, as millions of people moved across newly defined borders. This event fundamentally reshaped the demographic landscape of the new nation, which began its independent history with a population of roughly 37 million.

Pakistan maintains a robust growth trend with an annual population growth rate of 1.51%. This is largely supported by a fertility rate of 3.55 births per woman, which is categorized as global rank 43 for the highest fertility. While the growth rate has moderated from its historical peaks in the late 20th century, the momentum remains significant due to a large percentage of the population entering reproductive age. Recent estimates show that the country adds approximately 10,392 people to its total every day through natural increase. Projections suggest that if these trends continue, the population could potentially exceed 330 million by the middle of the century, placing increased demand on the nation's infrastructure, educational facilities, and healthcare systems. Efforts to manage this growth have seen varying levels of success, with urban areas generally showing faster transitions toward smaller family sizes than rural provinces.

The estimated 2026 population density is 336 people per km² (870 per sq mi), placing it 15th in the regional density rankings for Asia.

Approximately 39.2% of the population is urbanized, reflecting a continuous migration trend toward major economic hubs like Karachi and Lahore.

In a global context, Pakistan is a demographic heavyweight, ranking 5 of 215 countries worldwide. Within its immediate region, it is the 2nd most populous country in Southern Asia and ranks 4 of 49 across the entire Asian continent. Its population density of 336 people per km² (870 per sq mi) ranks 36th globally, indicating a much higher concentration of people than in neighboring Iran or Afghanistan. While Pakistan shares the top tier of global rankings with giants like India and China, its growth rate remains notably higher than many of its large-scale peers.