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Pakistan vs Cambodia

Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Pakistan is 13.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 8.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 4.4 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 3.0 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.

Metric
Flag of PakistanPakistan
Flag of CambodiaCambodia
Population
+1273.9%241.5M
-92.7%17.6M
Area
+339.7%796,095 km²
-77.3%181,035 km²
GDP
+701.6%$371.6B
-87.5%$46.4B
GDP Per Capita
-43.7%$1,478.773
+77.7%$2,627.88
Life Expectancy
-4.3%67.6 yrs
+4.5%70.7 yrs
Infant Mortality
+146.8%50.1
-59.5%20.3
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+1960.8%5.4%
-95.1%0.3%
Capital
Islamabad
Phnom Penh
Region
Asia
Asia
Languages
English, Urdu
Khmer
Currencies
PKR (₨)
KHR (៛), USD ($)

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

Pakistan is 13.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 241.5M residents compared to 17.6M. Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), 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 Pakistan.

Economy Comparison

Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 8.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 1.8 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.0 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 147% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.

Geographic Comparison

Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Pakistan and Cambodia is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Cambodia is in GDP: Pakistan's $371.6B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Cambodia is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-middle-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 1.8x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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

Pakistan is 3.1x more densely populated than Cambodia (303 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Pakistan (70.7 vs 67.6 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

Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.

Travel Comparison

Pakistan vs Cambodia for Families

For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan 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.

Pakistan vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers

Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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.

Pakistan vs Cambodia for Retirees

Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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.

Pakistan vs Cambodia Cost of Living

Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.

Pakistan vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Pakistan'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, Pakistan or Cambodia by population?

Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Pakistan is 13.7 times more populous than Cambodia.

Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Cambodia?

Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Pakistan's economy is 8.0 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Cambodia?

Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 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, Pakistan or Cambodia?

Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Pakistan is 4.4 times larger than Cambodia.

What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Cambodia?

Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Cambodia?

Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.

Is Pakistan or Cambodia better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...

Is Pakistan or Cambodia cheaper to visit?

Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better v...

Is Pakistan or Cambodia better for retirement?

Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan or Cambodia more expensive to live in?

Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...

Is Pakistan or Cambodia better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...