Uganda vs Cambodia
Uganda has a population of 45.9M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Uganda is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Uganda ($53.9B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Uganda covers 241,550 km², 1.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 2.4 years higher than Uganda's 68.3 years.
UgandaCambodia| Population | +161.2%45.9M | -61.7%17.6M |
| Area | +33.4%241,550 km² | -25.1%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +16.3%$53.9B | -14.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -59.0%$1,077.913 | +143.8%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.4%68.3 yrs | +3.5%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +36.0%27.6 | -26.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +944.1%2.7% | -90.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Kampala | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Khmer |
| Currencies | UGX (Sh) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Uganda is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia, with 45.9M residents compared to 17.6M. Uganda is a nation of 45.9M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Uganda averages 190 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Uganda has grown at 3.25% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Uganda is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Uganda economy ($53.9B) is 1.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Uganda's GDP per capita of $1,077.913 is 51% 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 2.4 times wealthier than those in Uganda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Uganda is 68.3 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 2.4 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Uganda (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 27.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Uganda's infant mortality is 36% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Uganda (241,550 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Uganda shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Uganda spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Uganda lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Uganda is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Uganda and Cambodia is in population: Uganda's 45.9M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Uganda's $1,077.913 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Uganda's 27.6 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Uganda'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 2.4x that of Uganda ($1,077.913). 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
Uganda is 2.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (190 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 2.4 years longer than those of Uganda (70.7 vs 68.3 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
Uganda's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Uganda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Uganda vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 27.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Uganda 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.
Uganda vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda 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.
Uganda vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Uganda 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.
Uganda vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Uganda can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Uganda vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Uganda'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, Uganda or Cambodia by population?
Uganda is larger by population, with 45.9M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Uganda is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Uganda or Cambodia?
Uganda has the higher GDP at $53.9B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Uganda's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Uganda and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Uganda's 68.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Uganda's life expectancy is 3.7 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, Uganda or Cambodia?
Uganda is larger by land area, covering 241,550 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Uganda is 1.3 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Uganda and Cambodia?
Uganda recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Uganda or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Uganda's 3.3%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Uganda's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Uganda or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 27.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Uganda offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Uganda or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value...
Is Uganda or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Uganda may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Uganda or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Uganda or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Uganda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...