Syria vs Cambodia
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia. Syria covers 185,180 km², 1.0 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 1.5 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
SyriaCambodia| Population | +45.8%25.6M | -31.4%17.6M |
| Area | +2.3%185,180 km² | -2.2%181,035 km² |
| GDP | — | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.1%72.1 yrs | -2.0%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -6.4%19.0 | +6.8%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +5059.3%13.6% | -98.1%0.3% |
| Capital | Damascus | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Khmer |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia, with 25.6M residents compared to 17.6M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Cambodia's GDP stands at $46.4B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 1.5 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 7% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Syria and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Cambodia is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 31% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 6% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Cambodia is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 2% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.4x more densely populated than Cambodia (138 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 Syria live an average of 1.5 years longer than those of Cambodia (72.1 vs 70.7 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.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria 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.
Syria vs Cambodia for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Syria vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Syria or Cambodia by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Syria is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Cambodia?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and Cambodia?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.5 years. Syria's life expectancy is at 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, Syria or Cambodia?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Syria is 1.0 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Cambodia?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Syria or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Syria or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value...
Is Syria or Cambodia better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Syria or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...