CameroonEcuador
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Ecuador's 18.1M. Cameroon is 1.6 times more populous than Ecuador. Economically, Ecuador ($124.7B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.7 times larger than Ecuador's 276,841 km². Life expectancy in Ecuador stands at 77.4 years, 13.7 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
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Cameroon wins
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Ecuador wins
Metric
CameroonEcuador| Population | 29.4M | 18.1M |
| Area | 475,442 km² | 276,841 km² |
| GDP | $53.3B | $124.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,830.008 | $6,874.706 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.7 yrs | 77.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 41.2 | 11.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.6% | 3.3% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Quito |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | USD ($) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Ecuador, with 29.4M residents compared to 18.1M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Ecuador is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Ecuador averages 65 people per km² (moderate). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Ecuador has grown at 1.30% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Ecuador is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Ecuador economy ($124.7B) is 2.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Ecuador's GDP per capita of $6,874.706 is 49% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ecuador are on average 3.8 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 77.4 years in Ecuador, a gap of 13.7 years. Ecuador (77.4 years) is 5.4 years above 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 271% higher than Ecuador's 11.1.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Ecuador (276,841 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Ecuador borders 2 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Ecuador's 2 timezones. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Ecuador is located in South America. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Ecuador belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Ecuador is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Ecuador's $6,874.706 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Ecuador is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Ecuador's 11.1 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Ecuador is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Ecuador's $124.7B represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Ecuador's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ecuador has a GDP per capita of $6,874.706, which is 3.8x 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 Ecuador is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ecuador is 1.1x more densely populated than Cameroon (65 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 Ecuador live an average of 13.7 years longer than those of Cameroon (77.4 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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Ecuador's -2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Ecuador's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Ecuador for Families
For family travel, Ecuador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (11.1 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 Ecuador's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Ecuador 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 Ecuador. However, Ecuador 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 Ecuador for Retirees
Ecuador's life expectancy of 77.4 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 Ecuador Cost of Living
Ecuador's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ecuador, 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 Ecuador's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Ecuador for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Ecuador, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Ecuador covers 2. 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 Ecuador by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Ecuador's 18.1M. Cameroon is 1.6 times more populous than Ecuador.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Ecuador?
Ecuador has the higher GDP at $124.7B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Ecuador's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Ecuador?
Ecuador has a higher life expectancy at 77.4 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.7 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ecuador's is 5.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Ecuador?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Ecuador's 276,841 km². Cameroon is 1.7 times larger than Ecuador.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Ecuador?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Ecuador recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Ecuador?
Ecuador has lower inflation at 1.5%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Ecuador'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 Ecuador better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ecuador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (11.1 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...
Is Cameroon or Ecuador 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 Ecuador. However, Ecuador may offer better val...
Is Cameroon or Ecuador better for retirement?
Ecuador's life expectancy of 77.4 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, clim...
Is Cameroon or Ecuador more expensive to live in?
Ecuador's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ecuador, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Cameroon or Ecuador better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Ecuador, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Ecuador covers 2. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...
Population Growth
Cameroon, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Ecuador, 1994 to 2023