Cameroon vs Rwanda
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Cameroon is 2.1 times more populous than Rwanda. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 18.1 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Rwanda stands at 67.8 years, 4.1 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonRwanda| Population | +108.7%29.4M | -52.1%14.1M |
| Area | +1705.2%475,442 km² | -94.5%26,338 km² |
| GDP | +274.0%$53.3B | -73.3%$14.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +83.1%$1,830.008 | -45.4%$999.655 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.0%63.7 yrs | +6.4%67.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +35.1%41.2 | -26.0%30.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -68.3%3.6% | +215.5%11.4% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Kigali |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | English, French, Kinyarwanda |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | RWF (Fr) |
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 2.1 times more populous than Rwanda, with 29.4M residents compared to 14.1M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Rwanda.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 3.7 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Rwanda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 67.8 years in Rwanda, a gap of 4.1 years. Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 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 35% higher than Rwanda's 30.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 18.1 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Rwanda borders 4 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Rwanda's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Rwanda 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 Rwanda is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Rwanda is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Rwanda's $14.3B represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Rwanda is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Rwanda's 14.1M represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Rwanda'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 1.8x that of Rwanda ($999.655). 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
Rwanda is 8.6x more densely populated than Cameroon (536 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 Rwanda live an average of 4.1 years longer than those of Cameroon (67.8 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
Rwanda's economy grew at 8.9% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Rwanda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Rwanda for Families
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 Rwanda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Rwanda for Budget Travelers
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda 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 Rwanda for Retirees
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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 Rwanda Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Rwanda can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Rwanda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda'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 Rwanda by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Cameroon is 2.1 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Rwanda?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Rwanda's $14.3B. Cameroon's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Rwanda?
Rwanda has a higher life expectancy at 67.8 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.1 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda's is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Rwanda?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Cameroon is 18.1 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Rwanda?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Rwanda recognizes: English, French, Kinyarwanda. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Rwanda?
Rwanda has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Rwanda's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Rwanda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Rwanda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.5 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 Rwanda cheaper to visit?
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value i...
Is Cameroon or Rwanda better for retirement?
Rwanda's life expectancy of 67.8 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 Rwanda more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Cameroon or Rwanda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...