Malawi vs Cambodia
Malawi has a population of 20.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Malawi is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 4.1 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.5 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 3.3 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
MalawiCambodia| Population | +18.0%20.7M | -15.2%17.6M |
| Area | -34.6%118,484 km² | +52.8%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -75.6%$11.3B | +309.6%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -80.1%$522.57 | +402.9%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.7%67.4 yrs | +4.9%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +44.8%29.4 | -31.0%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1828.5%5.1% | -94.8%0.3% |
| Capital | Lilongwe | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, Chewa | Khmer |
| Currencies | MWK (MK) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Malawi is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia, with 20.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malawi.
Economy Comparison
Malawi is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 4.1 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% 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 5.0 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malawi is 67.4 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.3 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 45% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Malawi shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Malawi spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Malawi lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Malawi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malawi and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Malawi's $522.57 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and Cambodia is in GDP: Malawi's $11.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Malawi and Cambodia is in land area: Malawi's 118,484 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malawi's low-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 5.0x that of Malawi ($522.57). 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
Malawi is 1.8x more densely populated than Cambodia (175 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Malawi (70.7 vs 67.4 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malawi vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Malawi vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi 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.
Malawi vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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.
Malawi vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Malawi vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Malawi'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, Malawi or Cambodia by population?
Malawi is larger by population, with 20.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Malawi is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malawi or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Cambodia's economy is 4.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malawi and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Malawi's life expectancy is 4.6 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, Malawi or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Cambodia is 1.5 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Malawi and Cambodia?
Malawi recognizes the following languages: English, Chewa. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malawi or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Malawi or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Malawi or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in...
Is Malawi or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Malawi or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malawi and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malawi spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...