CameroonCambodia
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 2.6 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
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Cameroon wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
CameroonCambodia| Population | 29.4M | 17.6M |
| Area | 475,442 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $53.3B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,830.008 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.7 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 41.2 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.6% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, French | Khmer |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 29.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% 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 1.4 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.0 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 103% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Cambodia is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Cambodia is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon'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 1.4x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). 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 1.6x more densely populated than Cameroon (97 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Cameroon (70.7 vs 63.7 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 Cameroon's 3.5%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon 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.
Cameroon vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon 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.
Cameroon vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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.
Cameroon vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cameroon'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, Cameroon or Cambodia by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Cameroon is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Cambodia?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Cameroon's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 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, Cameroon or Cambodia?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Cameroon is 2.6 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Cambodia?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Cameroon or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better v...
Is Cameroon or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Cameroon or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...
Population Growth
Cameroon, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023