Myanmar vs Cambodia
Myanmar has a population of 51.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Myanmar is 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Myanmar ($74.1B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 3.7 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 3.8 years higher than Myanmar's 66.9 years.
MyanmarCambodia| Population | +191.9%51.3M | -65.7%17.6M |
| Area | +273.7%676,578 km² | -73.2%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +59.8%$74.1B | -37.4%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -48.3%$1,359.05 | +93.4%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.3%66.9 yrs | +5.6%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +68.0%34.1 | -40.5%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1058.6%3.0% | -91.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Naypyidaw | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Burmese | Khmer |
| Currencies | MMK (Ks) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Myanmar is 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 51.3M residents compared to 17.6M. Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Myanmar economy ($74.1B) is 1.6 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% 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 1.9 times wealthier than those in Myanmar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Myanmar is 66.9 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.8 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Myanmar's infant mortality is 68% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Myanmar shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Myanmar spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Myanmar and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Myanmar and Cambodia is in land area: Myanmar's 676,578 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Cambodia is in population: Myanmar's 51.3M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Myanmar's $1,359.05 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 48% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Myanmar'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 1.9x that of Myanmar ($1,359.05). 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
Cambodia is 1.3x more densely populated than Myanmar (97 vs 76 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Myanmar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 3.8 years longer than those of Myanmar (70.7 vs 66.9 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 Myanmar's -1.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Myanmar's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Myanmar vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Myanmar can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Myanmar vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Myanmar'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, Myanmar or Cambodia by population?
Myanmar is larger by population, with 51.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Myanmar is 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Myanmar or Cambodia?
Myanmar has the higher GDP at $74.1B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Myanmar's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Myanmar and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Myanmar's 66.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.8 years. Myanmar's life expectancy is 5.1 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, Myanmar or Cambodia?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Myanmar is 3.7 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Myanmar and Cambodia?
Myanmar recognizes the following official language: Burmese. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Myanmar or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Myanmar or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Myanmar or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better valu...
Is Myanmar or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Myanmar or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Myanmar or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Myanmar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...