Mali vs Cambodia
Mali has a population of 22.4M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Mali is 1.3 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 6.9 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 10.2 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
MaliCambodia| Population | +27.4%22.4M | -21.5%17.6M |
| Area | +585.1%1,240,192 km² | -85.4%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -42.2%$26.8B | +73.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -58.3%$1,094.619 | +140.1%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.5%60.4 yrs | +16.9%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +183.7%57.6 | -64.8%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +976.4%2.8% | -90.7%0.3% |
| Capital | Bamako | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Khmer |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Mali is 1.3 times more populous than Cambodia, with 22.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Mali is a nation of 22.4M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Mali is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.7 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Cambodia are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mali is 60.4 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 10.2 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 184% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Mali shares borders with 7 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Mali spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Mali lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Mali is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mali and Cambodia is in land area: Mali's 1,240,192 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Mali and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Mali's $1,094.619 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mali's low-income economy and Cambodia'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 2.4x that of Mali ($1,094.619). 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 5.4x more densely populated than Mali (97 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 10.2 years longer than those of Mali (70.7 vs 60.4 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 Mali's 5.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Mali vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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.
Mali vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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.
Mali vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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.
Mali vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Mali vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Mali'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, Mali or Cambodia by population?
Mali is larger by population, with 22.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Mali is 1.3 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mali or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Cambodia's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mali and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.2 years. Mali's life expectancy is 11.6 years below 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, Mali or Cambodia?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Mali is 6.9 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Mali and Cambodia?
Mali recognizes the following official language: French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mali or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Mali's 3.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mali's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mali or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Mali or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in ...
Is Mali or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Mali or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Mali or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mali and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mali spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...