Tanzania vs Cambodia
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Tanzania is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 5.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 3.7 years higher than Tanzania's 67.0 years.
TanzaniaCambodia| Population | +287.7%68.2M | -74.2%17.6M |
| Area | +423.3%947,303 km² | -80.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +70.1%$78.8B | -41.2%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.8%$1,186.717 | +121.4%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.2%67.0 yrs | +5.5%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +47.3%29.9 | -32.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +497.7%1.6% | -83.3%0.3% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Khmer |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Tanzania is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 68.2M residents compared to 17.6M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 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 Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 1.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% 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 2.2 times wealthier than those in Tanzania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.7 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Tanzania's infant mortality is 47% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Tanzania lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Tanzania is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Cambodia is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Cambodia is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Tanzania's $1,186.717 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-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 2.2x that of Tanzania ($1,186.717). 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
Cambodia is 1.3x more densely populated than Tanzania (97 vs 72 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tanzania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Tanzania (70.7 vs 67.0 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 Tanzania's 5.5%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 29.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tanzania offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Tanzania vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tanzania can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Tanzania'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, Tanzania or Cambodia by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Tanzania is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Cambodia?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Tanzania's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Tanzania's 67.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 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, Tanzania or Cambodia?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Tanzania is 5.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Cambodia?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Tanzania's 3.1%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Tanzania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 29.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tanzania offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Tanzania or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better v...
Is Tanzania or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Tanzania or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Tanzania or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Tanzania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...