Cameroon vs Somalia
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.3 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 4.9 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
CameroonSomalia| Population | +49.8%29.4M | -33.2%19.7M |
| Area | -25.4%475,442 km² | +34.1%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +345.4%$53.3B | -77.5%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +190.7%$1,830.008 | -65.6%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.3%63.7 yrs | -7.7%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -39.2%41.2 | +64.6%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -81.0%3.6% | +426.0%18.9% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | SOS (Sh) |
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
Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Somalia, with 29.4M residents compared to 19.7M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 4.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 4.9 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 65% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Somalia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Somalia is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Somalia is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 2.9x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 2.0x more densely populated than Somalia (62 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Somalia (63.7 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Somalia for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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.
Cameroon vs Somalia Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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, Cameroon or Somalia by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Somalia?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Cameroon's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Somalia?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Somalia is 1.3 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Somalia?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Cameroon or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Cameroon or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value...
Is Cameroon or Somalia better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Cameroon or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Cameroon or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...