Cameroon vs Malawi
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Cameroon is 1.4 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 4.0 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Malawi stands at 67.4 years, 3.7 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonMalawi| Population | +42.0%29.4M | -29.6%20.7M |
| Area | +301.3%475,442 km² | -75.1%118,484 km² |
| GDP | +371.0%$53.3B | -78.8%$11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +250.2%$1,830.008 | -71.4%$522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.4%63.7 yrs | +5.7%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +40.1%41.2 | -28.6%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.0%3.6% | +40.8%5.1% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Lilongwe |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | MWK (MK) |
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
Cameroon is 1.4 times more populous than Malawi, with 29.4M residents compared to 20.7M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malawi.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 4.7 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 3.7 years. Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 40% higher than Malawi's 29.4.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Malawi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Malawi is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Malawi is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Malawi is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Malawi's $522.57 represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 3.5x that of Malawi ($522.57). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malawi is 2.8x more densely populated than Cameroon (175 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malawi live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Cameroon (67.4 vs 63.7 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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Malawi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Malawi for Retirees
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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.
Cameroon vs Malawi Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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, Cameroon or Malawi by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Cameroon is 1.4 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Malawi?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Cameroon's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Malawi?
Malawi has a higher life expectancy at 67.4 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Malawi?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Cameroon is 4.0 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Malawi?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Malawi?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Cameroon or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Cameroon or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in...
Is Cameroon or Malawi better for retirement?
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon or Malawi more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Cameroon or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...