AfghanistanCambodia
Afghanistan has a population of 43.8M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Afghanistan is 2.5 times more populous than Cambodia. Afghanistan covers 652,230 km², 3.6 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 4.6 years higher than Afghanistan's 66.0 years.
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Afghanistan wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
AfghanistanCambodia| Population | 43.8M | 17.6M |
| Area | 652,230 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | — | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.0 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 50.4 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 13.4% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Kabul | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen | Khmer |
| Currencies | AFN (؋) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Afghanistan is 2.5 times more populous than Cambodia, with 43.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Cambodia's GDP stands at $46.4B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 4.6 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 148% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Afghanistan (652,230 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Afghanistan shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Afghanistan and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Cambodia is in land area: Afghanistan's 652,230 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Cambodia is in population: Afghanistan's 43.8M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Afghanistan's 50.4 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Afghanistan's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.4x more densely populated than Afghanistan (97 vs 67 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Afghanistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 4.6 years longer than those of Afghanistan (70.7 vs 66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Afghanistan vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan 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.
Afghanistan vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan 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.
Afghanistan vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan 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.
Afghanistan vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Afghanistan or Cambodia by population?
Afghanistan is larger by population, with 43.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Afghanistan is 2.5 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Afghanistan or Cambodia?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Afghanistan and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Afghanistan's 66.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.6 years. Afghanistan's life expectancy is 6.0 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, Afghanistan or Cambodia?
Afghanistan is larger by land area, covering 652,230 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Afghanistan is 3.6 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan and Cambodia?
Afghanistan recognizes the following languages: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Afghanistan or Cambodia?
Afghanistan has lower inflation at -6.6%, compared to Cambodia's 0.8%. Afghanistan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cambodia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Afghanistan or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Afghanistan or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer ...
Is Afghanistan or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Afghanistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Afghanistan or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...
Population Growth
Afghanistan, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023