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United Kingdom vs Cambodia

United Kingdom has a population of 69.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. United Kingdom is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, United Kingdom ($3.69T) has a GDP 79.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). United Kingdom covers 244,376 km², 1.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in United Kingdom stands at 81.2 years, 10.6 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.

Metric
Flag of United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Flag of CambodiaCambodia
Population
+294.1%69.3M
-74.6%17.6M
Area
+35.0%244,376 km²
-25.9%181,035 km²
GDP
+7852.2%$3.69T
-98.7%$46.4B
GDP Per Capita
+1926.2%$53,246.368
-95.1%$2,627.88
Life Expectancy
+15.0%81.2 yrs
-13.0%70.7 yrs
Infant Mortality
-80.3%4.0
+407.5%20.3
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+1704.6%4.7%
-94.5%0.3%
Capital
London
Phnom Penh
Region
Europe
Asia
Languages
English
Khmer
Currencies
GBP (£)
KHR (៛), USD ($)

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

United Kingdom is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 69.3M residents compared to 17.6M. United Kingdom is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, United Kingdom averages 284 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While United Kingdom has grown at 0.66% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

United Kingdom is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The United Kingdom economy ($3.69T) is 79.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). United Kingdom's GDP per capita of $53,246.368 is 90% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 United Kingdom are on average 20.3 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in United Kingdom is 81.2 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 10.6 years. United Kingdom (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above 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 408% higher than United Kingdom's 4.0.

Geographic Comparison

United Kingdom (244,376 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). United Kingdom shares borders with 1 country, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. United Kingdom lies in Europe, while Cambodia is located in Asia. United Kingdom is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Cambodia is in GDP: United Kingdom's $3.69T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: United Kingdom's $53,246.368 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Cambodia is in infant mortality: United Kingdom's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Kingdom's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

United Kingdom has a GDP per capita of $53,246.368, which is 20.3x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United Kingdom is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

United Kingdom is 2.9x more densely populated than Cambodia (284 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 United Kingdom live an average of 10.6 years longer than those of Cambodia (81.2 vs 70.7 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

Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to United Kingdom's 1.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

United Kingdom vs Cambodia for Families

For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 United Kingdom's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

United Kingdom vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers

Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Kingdom. However, United Kingdom may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

United Kingdom vs Cambodia for Retirees

United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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.

United Kingdom vs Cambodia Cost of Living

United Kingdom's GDP per capita is 20.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Kingdom, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in United Kingdom's smaller cities.

United Kingdom vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia'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, United Kingdom or Cambodia by population?

United Kingdom is larger by population, with 69.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. United Kingdom is 3.9 times more populous than Cambodia.

Which country has a higher GDP, United Kingdom or Cambodia?

United Kingdom has the higher GDP at $3.69T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. United Kingdom's economy is 79.5 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between United Kingdom and Cambodia?

United Kingdom has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.6 years. United Kingdom's life expectancy is 9.2 years above 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, United Kingdom or Cambodia?

United Kingdom is larger by land area, covering 244,376 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². United Kingdom is 1.3 times larger than Cambodia.

What languages are spoken in United Kingdom and Cambodia?

United Kingdom recognizes the following official language: English. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, United Kingdom or Cambodia?

Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to United Kingdom's 3.3%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United Kingdom's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is United Kingdom or Cambodia better for a family holiday?

For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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...

Is United Kingdom or Cambodia cheaper to visit?

Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United Kingdom. However, United Kingdom may off...

Is United Kingdom or Cambodia better for retirement?

United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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 acces...

Is United Kingdom or Cambodia more expensive to live in?

United Kingdom's GDP per capita is 20.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Kingdom, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living var...

Is United Kingdom or Cambodia better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stre...

Population Growth — United Kingdom

Population Growth — Cambodia