PolandCambodia
Poland has a population of 37.4M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Poland is 2.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Poland ($917.8B) has a GDP 19.8 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Poland covers 312,679 km², 1.7 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Poland stands at 78.5 years, 7.8 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Metric
PolandCambodia| Population | 37.4M | 17.6M |
| Area | 312,679 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $917.8B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $25,103.566 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 78.5 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.7 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Warsaw | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Polish | Khmer |
| Currencies | PLN (zł) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Poland is 2.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 37.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Poland is a nation of 37.4M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Poland averages 120 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Poland has grown at -0.36% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Poland is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Poland economy ($917.8B) is 19.8 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Poland's GDP per capita of $25,103.566 is 10% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Poland are on average 9.6 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Poland is 78.5 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.8 years. Poland (78.5 years) is 6.5 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 449% higher than Poland's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Poland (312,679 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Poland shares borders with 7 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Poland spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Poland lies in Europe, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Poland is categorized within the Europe region (Central Europe), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Poland and Cambodia is in GDP: Poland's $917.8B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Poland and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Poland's $25,103.566 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Poland and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Poland's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Poland's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Poland has a GDP per capita of $25,103.566, which is 9.6x 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 Poland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Poland is 1.2x more densely populated than Cambodia (120 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 Poland live an average of 7.8 years longer than those of Cambodia (78.5 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 Poland's 3.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Poland vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Poland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Poland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Poland 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 Poland. However, Poland may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Poland vs Cambodia for Retirees
Poland's life expectancy of 78.5 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.
Poland vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Poland's GDP per capita is 9.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Poland, 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 Poland's smaller cities.
Poland vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Poland and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Poland spans 1 timezone 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, Poland or Cambodia by population?
Poland is larger by population, with 37.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Poland is 2.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Poland or Cambodia?
Poland has the higher GDP at $917.8B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Poland's economy is 19.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Poland and Cambodia?
Poland has a higher life expectancy at 78.5 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.8 years. Poland's life expectancy is 6.5 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, Poland or Cambodia?
Poland is larger by land area, covering 312,679 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Poland is 1.7 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Poland and Cambodia?
Poland recognizes the following official language: Polish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Poland or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Poland's 3.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Poland's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Poland or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Poland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 countri...
Is Poland 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 Poland. However, Poland may offer better value ...
Is Poland or Cambodia better for retirement?
Poland's life expectancy of 78.5 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, clima...
Is Poland or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Poland's GDP per capita is 9.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Poland, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Poland or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Poland and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Poland spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...
Population Growth
Poland, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023