Cambodia vs Bangladesh
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 9.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.2 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 4.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaBangladesh| Population | -89.6%17.6M | +866.2%169.8M |
| Area | +22.7%181,035 km² | -18.5%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -89.7%$46.4B | +871.1%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1.3%$2,627.88 | -1.3%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.4%70.7 yrs | +5.7%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -16.8%20.3 | +20.2%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -93.0%0.3% | +1336.5%3.8% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Dhaka |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Khmer | Bengali |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 169.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 9.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 4.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 20% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Both Cambodia and Bangladesh are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Bangladesh is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Bangladesh is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Bangladesh is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km² represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Bangladesh'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 1.0x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). 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
Bangladesh is 11.9x more densely populated than Cambodia (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 4.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (74.7 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 Bangladesh's 4.2%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Cambodia vs Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh 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.
Cambodia vs Bangladesh for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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.
Cambodia vs Bangladesh Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Cambodia or Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Bangladesh is 9.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Bangladesh's economy is 9.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.0 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Bangladesh?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Cambodia is 1.2 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Bangladesh?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Bangladesh?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Cambodia or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...
Is Cambodia or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer bett...
Is Cambodia or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, c...
Is Cambodia or Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Cambodia or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...