DR Congo vs Cambodia
DR Congo has a population of 112.8M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. DR Congo is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, DR Congo ($71.0B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). DR Congo covers 2,344,858 km², 13.0 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 8.8 years higher than DR Congo's 61.9 years.
DR CongoCambodia| Population | +541.9%112.8M | -84.4%17.6M |
| Area | +1195.3%2,344,858 km² | -92.3%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +53.1%$71.0B | -34.7%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -75.3%$649.383 | +304.7%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.4%61.9 yrs | +14.2%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +119.2%44.5 | -54.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1585.9%4.4% | -94.1%0.3% |
| Capital | Kinshasa | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili | Khmer |
| Currencies | CDF (FC) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
DR Congo is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia, with 112.8M residents compared to 17.6M. DR Congo is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, DR Congo averages 48 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 DR Congo.
Economy Comparison
DR Congo is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The DR Congo economy ($71.0B) is 1.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). DR Congo's GDP per capita of $649.383 is 70% 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 4.0 times wealthier than those in DR Congo.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in DR Congo is 61.9 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 8.8 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while DR Congo (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, DR Congo's infant mortality is 119% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
DR Congo (2,344,858 km²) is 13.0 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). DR Congo shares borders with 9 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. DR Congo spans 2 timezones, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. DR Congo lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. DR Congo is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cambodia is in land area: DR Congo's 2,344,858 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cambodia is in population: DR Congo's 112.8M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: DR Congo's $649.383 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between DR Congo'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 4.0x that of DR Congo ($649.383). 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 2.0x more densely populated than DR Congo (97 vs 48 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. DR Congo's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 8.8 years longer than those of DR Congo (70.7 vs 61.9 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
DR Congo's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. DR Congo's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
DR Congo vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in DR Congo can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
DR Congo vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. DR Congo'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, DR Congo or Cambodia by population?
DR Congo is larger by population, with 112.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. DR Congo is 6.4 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, DR Congo or Cambodia?
DR Congo has the higher GDP at $71.0B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. DR Congo's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between DR Congo and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to DR Congo's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. DR Congo's life expectancy is 10.1 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, DR Congo or Cambodia?
DR Congo is larger by land area, covering 2,344,858 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². DR Congo is 13.0 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in DR Congo and Cambodia?
DR Congo recognizes the following languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, DR Congo or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for DR Congo. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is DR Congo or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is DR Congo or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better val...
Is DR Congo or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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 DR Congo or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is DR Congo or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. DR Congo's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...