Cameroon vs Papua New Guinea
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Cameroon is 2.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 2.4 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonPapua New Guinea| Population | +149.9%29.4M | -60.0%11.8M |
| Area | +2.7%475,442 km² | -2.7%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +67.6%$53.3B | -40.3%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -39.1%$1,830.008 | +64.3%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.7%63.7 yrs | +3.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +28.8%41.2 | -22.3%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +40.1%3.6% | -28.6%2.6% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | English, French | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | PGK (K) |
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 2.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 29.4M residents compared to 11.8M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 2.4 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 29% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 1.6x 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 Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 2.4x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (62 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Papua New Guinea live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Cameroon (66.1 vs 63.7 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Cameroon is 2.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Papua New Guinea?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Cameroon's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Papua New Guinea?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Cameroon is 1.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Papua New Guinea?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Papua New Guinea'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 Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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...
Is Cameroon or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea ma...
Is Cameroon or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 acc...
Is Cameroon or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Cameroon or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for s...