CambodiaFrance
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to France's 66.4M. France is 3.8 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, France ($3.16T) has a GDP 68.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). France covers 543,908 km², 3.0 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in France stands at 82.9 years, 12.3 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Metric
CambodiaFrance| Population | 17.6M | 66.4M |
| Area | 181,035 km² | 543,908 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | $3.16T |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | $46,103.084 |
| Life Expectancy | 70.7 yrs | 82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.3 | 3.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | 7.5% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Paris |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Khmer | French |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
France is 3.8 times more populous than Cambodia, with 66.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while France is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while France averages 122 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for France.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while France is classified as a high-income economy. The France economy ($3.16T) is 68.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. France's GDP per capita of $46,103.084 is 65% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of France are on average 17.5 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 82.9 years in France, a gap of 12.3 years. France (82.9 years) is 10.9 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 497% higher than France's 3.4.
Geographic Comparison
France (543,908 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while France borders 8 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to France's 14 timezones. Cambodia lies in Asia, while France is located in Europe. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas France belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and France is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to France's $3.16T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and France is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to France's $46,103.084 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and France is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to France's 3.4 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and France's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
France has a GDP per capita of $46,103.084, which is 17.5x 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 France is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
France is 1.3x more densely populated than Cambodia (122 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 France live an average of 12.3 years longer than those of Cambodia (82.9 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 France's 1.2%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs France for Families
For family travel, France generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 France's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs France 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 France. However, France may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cambodia vs France for Retirees
France's life expectancy of 82.9 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.
Cambodia vs France Cost of Living
France's GDP per capita is 17.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in France, 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 France's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs France for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and France, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while France covers 14. 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, Cambodia or France by population?
France is larger by population, with 66.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. France is 3.8 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or France?
France has the higher GDP at $3.16T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. France's economy is 68.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and France?
France has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.3 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while France's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or France?
France is larger by land area, covering 543,908 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². France is 3.0 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and France?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. France recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or France?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to France's 2.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while France's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or France better for a family holiday?
For family travel, France generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.4 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 Cambodia or France 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 France. However, France may offer better value ...
Is Cambodia or France better for retirement?
France's life expectancy of 82.9 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, clima...
Is Cambodia or France more expensive to live in?
France's GDP per capita is 17.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in France, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Cambodia or France better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and France, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while France covers 14. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...