Iran vs Cameroon
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Iran is 2.9 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 8.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 3.5 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 14.0 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
IranCameroon| Population | +192.0%86.0M | -65.7%29.4M |
| Area | +246.7%1,648,195 km² | -71.2%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +791.7%$475.3B | -88.8%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +183.6%$5,190.17 | -64.7%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +21.9%77.7 yrs | -18.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -74.0%10.7 | +285.0%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +130.5%8.3% | -56.6%3.6% |
| Capital | Tehran | Yaoundé |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English, French |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | XAF (Fr) |
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
Iran is 2.9 times more populous than Cameroon, with 86.0M residents compared to 29.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 8.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 14.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 285% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Cameroon is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Cameroon belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Cameroon is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cameroon is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cameroon is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.8x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 1.2x more densely populated than Iran (62 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of Cameroon (77.7 vs 63.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Cameroon for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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.
Iran vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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, Iran or Cameroon by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Iran is 2.9 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Cameroon?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Iran's economy is 8.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Cameroon?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Cameroon?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Iran is 3.5 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Cameroon?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Cameroon?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Iran or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in ...
Is Iran or Cameroon better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Iran or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iran or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....