GhanaCambodia
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ghana is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ghana covers 238,533 km², 1.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 5.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
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Metric
GhanaCambodia| Population | 33.7M | 17.6M |
| Area | 238,533 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.5 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 28.2 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Accra | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Khmer |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ghana is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 33.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 1.8 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above 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 1.1 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 5.2 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 39% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Cambodia is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Cambodia is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 28% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-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 1.1x that of Ghana ($2,390.772). 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
Ghana is 1.5x more densely populated than Cambodia (141 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 5.2 years longer than those of Ghana (70.7 vs 65.5 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 Ghana's 5.6%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana 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.
Ghana vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana 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.
Ghana vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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.
Ghana vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ghana can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Ghana'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, Ghana or Cambodia by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ghana is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Cambodia?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Ghana's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 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, Ghana or Cambodia?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Ghana is 1.3 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Cambodia?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Ghana or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value i...
Is Ghana or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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 Ghana or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Ghana or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...
Population Growth
Ghana, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023