CambodiaTajikistan
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Tajikistan's 10.5M. Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Tajikistan. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 3.3 times larger than Tajikistan's ($14.2B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.3 times larger than Tajikistan's 143,100 km². Life expectancy in Tajikistan stands at 71.8 years, 1.1 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Tajikistan wins
Metric
CambodiaTajikistan| Population | 17.6M | 10.5M |
| Area | 181,035 km² | 143,100 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | $14.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | $1,341.202 |
| Life Expectancy | 70.7 yrs | 71.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.3 | 22.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | 6.9% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Dushanbe |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Khmer | Russian, Tajik |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | TJS (ЅМ) |
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
Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Tajikistan, with 17.6M residents compared to 10.5M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Tajikistan is a nation of 10.5M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Tajikistan averages 73 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Tajikistan.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Tajikistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 3.3 times larger than Tajikistan's ($14.2B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Tajikistan's GDP per capita of $1,341.202 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Tajikistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 71.8 years in Tajikistan, a gap of 1.1 years. Tajikistan (71.8 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 22.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Tajikistan's infant mortality is 13% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Tajikistan (143,100 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Tajikistan borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Tajikistan's 1 timezone. Both Cambodia and Tajikistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Central Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Tajikistan is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Tajikistan's $14.2B represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Tajikistan is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Tajikistan's $1,341.202 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Tajikistan is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Tajikistan's 10.5M represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Tajikistan'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 2.0x that of Tajikistan ($1,341.202). 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 Tajikistan (97 vs 73 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tajikistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Tajikistan live an average of 1.1 years longer than those of Cambodia (71.8 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.
Economic Momentum
Tajikistan's economy grew at 8.4% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Tajikistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Tajikistan for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 22.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tajikistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Tajikistan for Budget Travelers
Tajikistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,341.202 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tajikistan 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 Tajikistan for Retirees
Tajikistan's life expectancy of 71.8 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 Tajikistan Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Tajikistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Tajikistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tajikistan can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Tajikistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Tajikistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Tajikistan covers 1. Tajikistan'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 Tajikistan by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Tajikistan's 10.5M. Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Tajikistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Tajikistan?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Tajikistan's $14.2B. Cambodia's economy is 3.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Tajikistan?
Tajikistan has a higher life expectancy at 71.8 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.1 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tajikistan's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Tajikistan?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Tajikistan's 143,100 km². Cambodia is 1.3 times larger than Tajikistan.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Tajikistan?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Tajikistan recognizes: Russian, Tajik. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Tajikistan?
Inflation data is not available for Tajikistan. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Cambodia or Tajikistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 22.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tajikistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Cambodia or Tajikistan cheaper to visit?
Tajikistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,341.202 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tajikistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer bett...
Is Cambodia or Tajikistan better for retirement?
Tajikistan's life expectancy of 71.8 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, c...
Is Cambodia or Tajikistan more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Tajikistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Tajikistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Cambodia or Tajikistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Tajikistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Tajikistan covers 1. Tajikistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...