Chile vs Cambodia
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 7.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 4.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 10.5 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
ChileCambodia| Population | +15.0%20.2M | -13.0%17.6M |
| Area | +317.7%756,102 km² | -76.1%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +612.5%$330.3B | -86.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +535.9%$16,709.889 | -84.3%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.9%81.2 yrs | -12.9%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.5%6.2 | +227.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3312.2%9.0% | -97.1%0.3% |
| Capital | Santiago | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Khmer |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | 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
Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 20.2M residents compared to 17.6M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 7.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Chile are on average 6.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 10.5 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 227% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Cambodia is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Cambodia is in land area: Chile's 756,102 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 6.4x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 3.6x more densely populated than Chile (97 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 10.5 years longer than those of Cambodia (81.2 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 Chile's 2.6%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile vs Cambodia 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Cambodia for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
Chile vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. 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, Chile or Cambodia by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Cambodia?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Chile's economy is 7.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Cambodia?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.5 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above 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, Chile or Cambodia?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Chile is 4.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Cambodia?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Chile or Cambodia 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in...
Is Chile or Cambodia better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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, climat...
Is Chile or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Chile or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...