Cameroon vs Sweden
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Cameroon is 2.8 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 11.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.1 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 19.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonSweden| Population | +177.6%29.4M | -64.0%10.6M |
| Area | +5.6%475,442 km² | -5.3%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -91.2%$53.3B | +1032.7%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.8%$1,830.008 | +3021.2%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.5%63.7 yrs | +30.8%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1960.0%41.2 | -95.1%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -58.6%3.6% | +141.4%8.7% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English, French | Swedish |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | SEK (kr) |
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 2.8 times more populous than Sweden, with 29.4M residents compared to 10.6M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 11.3 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 31.2 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 19.6 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 1960% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Sweden is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Sweden is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 31.2x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 2.6x more densely populated than Sweden (62 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 19.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 31.2x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Cameroon is 2.8 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Sweden's economy is 11.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.6 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Sweden?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Cameroon is 1.1 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Sweden?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 a...
Is Cameroon or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value...
Is Cameroon or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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, clima...
Is Cameroon or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 31.2x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Cameroon or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...