Colombia vs Cambodia
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Colombia is 3.0 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 9.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 6.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 7.1 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
ColombiaCambodia| Population | +201.8%53.1M | -66.9%17.6M |
| Area | +530.7%1,141,748 km² | -84.1%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +803.5%$418.8B | -88.9%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +201.4%$7,919.209 | -66.8%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.0%77.7 yrs | -9.1%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -46.3%10.9 | +86.2%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3052.1%8.3% | -96.8%0.3% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Khmer |
| Currencies | COP ($) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Colombia is 3.0 times more populous than Cambodia, with 53.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 9.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Colombia are on average 3.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.1 years. Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 86% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 6.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Colombia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Cambodia is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Cambodia is in land area: Colombia's 1,141,748 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Cambodia is in population: Colombia's 53.1M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 3.0x 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 Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 2.1x more densely populated than Colombia (97 vs 46 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Colombia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Colombia live an average of 7.1 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.7 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 Colombia's 1.6%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia vs Cambodia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Colombia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, 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 Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. 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, Colombia or Cambodia by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Colombia is 3.0 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Cambodia?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Colombia's economy is 9.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Cambodia?
Colombia has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.1 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Colombia or Cambodia?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Colombia is 6.3 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Cambodia?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.
Is Colombia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 coun...
Is Colombia or Cambodia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better va...
Is Colombia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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, cli...
Is Colombia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Colombia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...