Cameroon vs Romania
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 7.2 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 2.0 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 12.9 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonRomania| Population | +54.7%29.4M | -35.3%19.0M |
| Area | +99.4%475,442 km² | -49.9%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -86.1%$53.3B | +617.8%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.9%$1,830.008 | +997.3%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.8%63.7 yrs | +20.3%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +663.0%41.2 | -86.9%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -39.9%3.6% | +66.4%6.0% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Bucharest |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English, French | Romanian |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | RON (lei) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Romania, with 29.4M residents compared to 19.0M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Romania.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 7.2 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. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 11.0 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 12.9 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 663% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Romania is located in Europe. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Romania is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Romania is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Romania is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Romania's $382.6B represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 11.0x 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 Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Romania is 1.3x more densely populated than Cameroon (80 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 Romania live an average of 12.9 years longer than those of Cameroon (76.6 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 Romania's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania 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 Romania for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Romania 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 Romania by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Romania's economy is 7.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Romania?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.9 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Romania?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Cameroon is 2.0 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Romania?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Romania?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better val...
Is Cameroon or Romania better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Cameroon or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...