Bangladesh vs Cambodia
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 9.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.2 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 4.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
BangladeshCambodia| Population | +866.2%169.8M | -89.6%17.6M |
| Area | -18.5%147,570 km² | +22.7%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +871.1%$450.1B | -89.7%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -1.3%$2,593.416 | +1.3%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%74.7 yrs | -5.4%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +20.2%24.4 | -16.8%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1336.5%3.8% | -93.0%0.3% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Khmer |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 169.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 9.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 4.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 20% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cambodia is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cambodia is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Cambodia is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 1.0x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 11.9x more densely populated than Cambodia (1151 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 4.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (74.7 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Cambodia for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Bangladesh vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Bangladesh or Cambodia by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Cambodia?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Bangladesh's economy is 9.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Cambodia?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.0 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Cambodia is 1.2 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Cambodia?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Bangladesh or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer bett...
Is Bangladesh or Cambodia better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Bangladesh or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Bangladesh or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...