Cameroon vs Benin
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Cameroon is 2.2 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 4.2 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 2.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
CameroonBenin| Population | +122.6%29.4M | -55.1%13.2M |
| Area | +322.2%475,442 km² | -76.3%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +148.1%$53.3B | -59.7%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +23.2%$1,830.008 | -18.8%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.8%63.7 yrs | -4.6%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.2%41.2 | +12.6%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +126.7%3.6% | -55.9%1.6% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | French |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | XOF (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
Cameroon is 2.2 times more populous than Benin, with 29.4M residents compared to 13.2M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 2.9 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 13% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Benin is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Benin is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Benin is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.2x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 1.9x more densely populated than Cameroon (117 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Benin (63.7 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Benin for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Cameroon vs Benin Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Cameroon or Benin by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Cameroon is 2.2 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Benin?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Cameroon's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Benin?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Benin?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Cameroon is 4.2 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Benin?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Benin recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Cameroon or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in...
Is Cameroon or Benin better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Cameroon or Benin more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Cameroon or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...