Ethiopia vs Cambodia
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ethiopia is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 6.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 3.4 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaCambodia| Population | +535.2%111.7M | -84.3%17.6M |
| Area | +510.0%1,104,300 km² | -83.6%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +223.0%$149.7B | -69.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -56.9%$1,133.883 | +131.8%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.7%67.3 yrs | +5.0%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +75.9%35.7 | -43.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1163.5%3.3% | -92.1%0.3% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Khmer |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Ethiopia is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia, with 111.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 3.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 2.3 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.4 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 76% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 6.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cambodia is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cambodia is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cambodia is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-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 2.3x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). 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
Ethiopia is 1.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (101 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 3.4 years longer than those of Ethiopia (70.7 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Ethiopia vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Cambodia by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ethiopia is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Cambodia?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Ethiopia's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below 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, Ethiopia or Cambodia?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Ethiopia is 6.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Cambodia?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Ethiopia or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better v...
Is Ethiopia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Ethiopia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ethiopia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...