CambodiaNigeria
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 5.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 16.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Cambodia wins
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Nigeria wins
Metric
CambodiaNigeria| Population | 17.6M | 223.8M |
| Area | 181,035 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 70.7 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.3 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | 3.1% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | English |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 223.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 5.4 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. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 16.2 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 196% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 5.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Nigeria is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Nigeria is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Nigeria is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 2.4x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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
Nigeria is 2.5x more densely populated than Cambodia (242 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 16.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (70.7 vs 54.5 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 Nigeria's 4.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Cambodia vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Cambodia vs Nigeria for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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 Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Nigeria's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Nigeria?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.2 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Nigeria is 5.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Nigeria?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Nigeria?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Cambodia or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Cambodia or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better valu...
Is Cambodia or Nigeria better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Cambodia or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Cambodia or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023