Cambodia vs Benin
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Cambodia is 1.3 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.6 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 9.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
CambodiaBenin| Population | +32.9%17.6M | -24.8%13.2M |
| Area | +60.7%181,035 km² | -37.8%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +115.8%$46.4B | -53.7%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +76.9%$2,627.88 | -43.5%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.3%70.7 yrs | -14.0%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -56.3%20.3 | +128.6%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -83.4%0.3% | +504.2%1.6% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | French |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Cambodia is 1.3 times more populous than Benin, with 17.6M residents compared to 13.2M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 2.2 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 9.9 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 129% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Benin is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Benin is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Benin is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Benin'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 Benin ($1,485.38). 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
Benin is 1.2x more densely populated than Cambodia (117 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 9.9 years longer than those of Benin (70.7 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Cambodia vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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.
Cambodia vs Benin for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Cambodia vs Benin Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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, Cambodia or Benin by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Cambodia is 1.3 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Benin?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Cambodia's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Benin?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.9 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Benin?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Cambodia is 1.6 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Benin?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Benin?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Benin's 1.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Benin's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Cambodia or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in...
Is Cambodia or Benin better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Cambodia or Benin more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Cambodia or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...