Senegal vs Cambodia
Senegal has a population of 18.6M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Senegal is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Senegal covers 196,722 km², 1.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 2.0 years higher than Senegal's 68.7 years.
SenegalCambodia| Population | +5.8%18.6M | -5.5%17.6M |
| Area | +8.7%196,722 km² | -8.0%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -29.2%$32.8B | +41.3%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -32.5%$1,773.218 | +48.2%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%68.7 yrs | +2.9%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +48.8%30.2 | -32.8%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +939.9%2.7% | -90.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Dakar | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Khmer |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Senegal is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 18.6M residents compared to 17.6M. Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Senegal has grown at 2.80% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.4 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Senegal's GDP per capita of $1,773.218 is 19% 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 1.5 times wealthier than those in Senegal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Senegal is 68.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 2.0 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Senegal (68.7 years) is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Senegal's infant mortality is 49% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Senegal (196,722 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Senegal shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Senegal spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Senegal lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Senegal is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Senegal and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Senegal's 30.2 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Senegal's $1,773.218 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between Senegal and Cambodia is in GDP: Senegal's $32.8B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 29% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Senegal'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 1.5x that of Senegal ($1,773.218). 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 1.0x more densely populated than Senegal (97 vs 95 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Senegal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 2.0 years longer than those of Senegal (70.7 vs 68.7 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
Senegal's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Senegal vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal 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.
Senegal vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal 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.
Senegal vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal 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.
Senegal vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Senegal can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Senegal vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Senegal'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, Senegal or Cambodia by population?
Senegal is larger by population, with 18.6M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Senegal is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Senegal or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Senegal's $32.8B. Cambodia's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Senegal and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Senegal's 68.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.0 years. Senegal's life expectancy is 3.3 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, Senegal or Cambodia?
Senegal is larger by land area, covering 196,722 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Senegal is 1.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Senegal and Cambodia?
Senegal recognizes the following official language: French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Senegal or Cambodia?
Senegal has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Cambodia's 0.8%. Senegal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cambodia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Senegal or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Senegal or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better val...
Is Senegal or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Senegal or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Senegal or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Senegal and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Senegal spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Senegal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...