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Ivory Coast vs Cambodia

Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 1.8 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 8.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.

Metric
Flag of Ivory CoastIvory Coast
Flag of CambodiaCambodia
Population
+80.5%31.7M
-44.6%17.6M
Area
+78.1%322,463 km²
-43.9%181,035 km²
GDP
+87.9%$87.1B
-46.8%$46.4B
GDP Per Capita
+3.8%$2,727.894
-3.7%$2,627.88
Life Expectancy
-12.3%61.9 yrs
+14.1%70.7 yrs
Infant Mortality
+129.6%46.6
-56.4%20.3
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+783.3%2.3%
-88.7%0.3%
Capital
Yamoussoukro
Phnom Penh
Region
Africa
Asia
Languages
French
Khmer
Currencies
XOF (Fr)
KHR (៛), USD ($)

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

Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia, with 31.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 1.9 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above 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 Ivory Coast are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 8.7 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 130% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.

Geographic Comparison

Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cambodia is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 47% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cambodia is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 1.0x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Ivory Coast is 1.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (98 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 8.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (70.7 vs 61.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.

Economic Momentum

Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Ivory Coast vs Cambodia for Families

For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers

Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

Ivory Coast vs Cambodia for Retirees

Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.

Ivory Coast vs Cambodia Cost of Living

Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.

Ivory Coast vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia'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, Ivory Coast or Cambodia by population?

Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia.

Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Cambodia?

Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Ivory Coast's economy is 1.9 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Cambodia?

Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 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, Ivory Coast or Cambodia?

Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Ivory Coast is 1.8 times larger than Cambodia.

What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Cambodia?

Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Cambodia?

Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is Ivory Coast or Cambodia better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...

Is Ivory Coast or Cambodia cheaper to visit?

Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer bet...

Is Ivory Coast or Cambodia better for retirement?

Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...

Is Ivory Coast or Cambodia more expensive to live in?

Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...

Is Ivory Coast or Cambodia better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...

Population Growth — Ivory Coast

Population Growth — Cambodia