Somalia vs Cambodia
Somalia has a population of 19.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Somalia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 3.5 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 11.9 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
SomaliaCambodia| Population | +11.8%19.7M | -10.6%17.6M |
| Area | +252.2%637,657 km² | -71.6%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -74.2%$12.0B | +287.3%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -76.0%$629.539 | +317.4%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.8%58.8 yrs | +20.2%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +234.0%67.8 | -70.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +7104.6%18.9% | -98.6%0.3% |
| Capital | Mogadishu | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Somali | Khmer |
| Currencies | SOS (Sh) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Somalia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 19.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Somalia averages 31 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 Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Somalia is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 3.9 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% 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 4.2 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Somalia is 58.8 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 11.9 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 234% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Somalia shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Somalia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Somalia lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Somalia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Somalia and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Somalia's $629.539 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and Cambodia is in GDP: Somalia's $12.0B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Somalia and Cambodia is in land area: Somalia's 637,657 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Somalia'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 4.2x that of Somalia ($629.539). 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 3.2x more densely populated than Somalia (97 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 11.9 years longer than those of Somalia (70.7 vs 58.8 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 Somalia's 4.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Somalia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia 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.
Somalia vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia 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.
Somalia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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.
Somalia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Somalia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Somalia'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, Somalia or Cambodia by population?
Somalia is larger by population, with 19.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Somalia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Somalia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Cambodia's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Somalia and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.9 years. Somalia's life expectancy is 13.2 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, Somalia or Cambodia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Somalia is 3.5 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Somalia and Cambodia?
Somalia recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Somali. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Somalia or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Somalia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Somalia or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value...
Is Somalia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Somalia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Somalia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Somalia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...