Iran vs Cambodia
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Iran is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 10.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 9.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
IranCambodia| Population | +389.0%86.0M | -79.6%17.6M |
| Area | +810.4%1,648,195 km² | -89.0%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +925.3%$475.3B | -90.2%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +97.5%$5,190.17 | -49.4%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.9%77.7 yrs | -9.0%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.3%10.7 | +89.7%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3056.3%8.3% | -96.8%0.3% |
| Capital | Tehran | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Khmer |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Iran is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 86.0M residents compared to 17.6M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), 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 Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 10.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Iran are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 90% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 9.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Cambodia is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cambodia is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cambodia is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.0x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.9x more densely populated than Iran (97 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.7 vs 70.7 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 Iran's 3.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Cambodia for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Cambodia by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Iran is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Cambodia?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Iran's economy is 10.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Cambodia?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Cambodia?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Iran is 9.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Cambodia?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in s...
Is Iran or Cambodia better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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...
Is Iran or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iran or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....