Guatemala vs Cambodia
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Guatemala is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.7 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 1.9 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
GuatemalaCambodia| Population | +2.9%18.1M | -2.8%17.6M |
| Area | -39.9%108,889 km² | +66.3%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +144.2%$113.2B | -59.1%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +134.0%$6,150.026 | -57.3%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.7%72.6 yrs | -2.7%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.8%17.9 | +13.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +890.1%2.6% | -89.9%0.3% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Khmer |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Guatemala is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia, with 18.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 2.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Guatemala are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 1.9 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 13% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cambodia is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Cambodia is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 2.3x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.7x more densely populated than Cambodia (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 1.9 years longer than those of Cambodia (72.6 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Cambodia for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Guatemala vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia'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, Guatemala or Cambodia by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Guatemala is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Cambodia?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Guatemala's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Cambodia?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.9 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above 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, Guatemala or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Cambodia is 1.7 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Cambodia?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Guatemala or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Guatemala or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better ...
Is Guatemala or Cambodia better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Guatemala or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Guatemala or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...