Cambodia vs Rwanda
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Cambodia is 1.2 times more populous than Rwanda. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 3.3 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 6.9 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 2.9 years higher than Rwanda's 67.8 years.
CambodiaRwanda| Population | +24.6%17.6M | -19.8%14.1M |
| Area | +587.4%181,035 km² | -85.5%26,338 km² |
| GDP | +225.2%$46.4B | -69.3%$14.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +162.9%$2,627.88 | -62.0%$999.655 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.3%70.7 yrs | -4.1%67.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.4%20.3 | +50.2%30.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -97.7%0.3% | +4220.5%11.4% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Kigali |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | English, French, Kinyarwanda |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | RWF (Fr) |
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
Cambodia is 1.2 times more populous than Rwanda, with 17.6M residents compared to 14.1M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Rwanda.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 3.3 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Rwanda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 67.8 years in Rwanda, a gap of 2.9 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Rwanda's infant mortality is 50% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Rwanda borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Rwanda's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Rwanda is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Rwanda belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Rwanda is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Rwanda is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Rwanda's $14.3B represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Rwanda is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Rwanda's $999.655 represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Rwanda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 2.6x that of Rwanda ($999.655). 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
Rwanda is 5.5x more densely populated than Cambodia (536 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 Cambodia live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Rwanda (70.7 vs 67.8 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
Rwanda's economy grew at 8.9% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Rwanda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Rwanda for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda 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.
Cambodia vs Rwanda for Budget Travelers
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda 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.
Cambodia vs Rwanda for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda 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.
Cambodia vs Rwanda Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Rwanda can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Rwanda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda'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, Cambodia or Rwanda by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Cambodia is 1.2 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Rwanda?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Rwanda's $14.3B. Cambodia's economy is 3.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Rwanda?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Rwanda's 67.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda's is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Rwanda?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Cambodia is 6.9 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Rwanda?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Rwanda recognizes: English, French, Kinyarwanda. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Rwanda?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Rwanda's 1.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Rwanda's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Rwanda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Cambodia or Rwanda cheaper to visit?
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value i...
Is Cambodia or Rwanda better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Cambodia or Rwanda more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Cambodia or Rwanda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...