Cambodia vs Zimbabwe
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Cambodia is 1.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 2.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 7.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
CambodiaZimbabwe| Population | +3.0%17.6M | -2.9%17.1M |
| Area | -53.7%181,035 km² | +115.8%390,757 km² |
| GDP | +11.6%$46.4B | -10.4%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +5.2%$2,627.88 | -5.0%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.6%70.7 yrs | -11.2%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -50.0%20.3 | +100.0%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -97.2%0.3% | +3433.5%9.3% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | ZWL ($) |
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
Cambodia is 1.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 17.6M residents compared to 17.1M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 7.9 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zimbabwe's infant mortality is 100% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Zimbabwe is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Zimbabwe is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Zimbabwe's 40.6 per 1,000 represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Zimbabwe is in life expectancy: Cambodia's 70.7 years compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years represents a 11% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe'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 1.1x that of Zimbabwe ($2,497.203). 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 2.2x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (97 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 7.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (70.7 vs 62.8 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe 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.
Cambodia vs Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe 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.
Cambodia vs Zimbabwe for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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.
Cambodia vs Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zimbabwe can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe'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, Cambodia or Zimbabwe by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Cambodia is 1.0 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Zimbabwe?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Cambodia's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Zimbabwe?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.9 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Zimbabwe is 2.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Zimbabwe?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Cambodia or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Cambodia or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better v...
Is Cambodia or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Cambodia or Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Cambodia or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...