Ethiopia vs Cameroon
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ethiopia is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 2.8 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 2.3 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 3.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
EthiopiaCameroon| Population | +279.2%111.7M | -73.6%29.4M |
| Area | +132.3%1,104,300 km² | -56.9%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +181.0%$149.7B | -64.4%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -38.0%$1,133.883 | +61.4%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%67.3 yrs | -5.4%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -13.3%35.7 | +15.4%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -7.7%3.3% | +8.4%3.6% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | English, French |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | XAF (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
Ethiopia is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon, with 111.7M residents compared to 29.4M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 2.8 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 3.6 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 15% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cameroon is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cameroon is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Cameroon is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.6x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.6x more densely populated than Cameroon (101 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ethiopia live an average of 3.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (67.3 vs 63.7 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Cameroon for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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.
Ethiopia vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Cameroon by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ethiopia is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Cameroon?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Ethiopia's economy is 2.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Cameroon?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.6 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Cameroon?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Ethiopia is 2.3 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Cameroon?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Cameroon?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Ethiopia or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better v...
Is Ethiopia or Cameroon better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Ethiopia or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Ethiopia or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...