Cambodia vs Portugal
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Cambodia is 1.6 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 6.8 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 2.0 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 11.6 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaPortugal| Population | +63.5%17.6M | -38.8%10.7M |
| Area | +96.6%181,035 km² | -49.1%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -85.2%$46.4B | +575.8%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -91.0%$2,627.88 | +1014.7%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.1%70.7 yrs | +16.4%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +680.8%20.3 | -87.2%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -95.7%0.3% | +2243.7%6.2% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Lisbon |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Khmer | Portuguese |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | EUR (€) |
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
Cambodia is 1.6 times more populous than Portugal, with 17.6M residents compared to 10.7M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 6.8 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 11.1 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 11.6 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 681% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Portugal is located in Europe. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Portugal is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Portugal is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 11.1x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.2x more densely populated than Cambodia (117 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 Portugal live an average of 11.6 years longer than those of Cambodia (82.3 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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, Cambodia or Portugal by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Cambodia is 1.6 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Portugal's economy is 6.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.6 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Portugal?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Cambodia is 2.0 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Portugal?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Portugal?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Cambodia or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better va...
Is Cambodia or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, cli...
Is Cambodia or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Cambodia or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...