South Africa vs Cameroon
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. South Africa is 2.1 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 7.5 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 2.6 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in South Africa stands at 66.1 years, 2.4 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
South AfricaCameroon| Population | +114.3%63.1M | -53.3%29.4M |
| Area | +156.8%1,221,037 km² | -61.1%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +652.7%$401.1B | -86.7%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +242.5%$6,267.187 | -70.8%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.8%66.1 yrs | -3.7%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -40.8%24.4 | +68.9%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +799.3%32.4% | -88.9%3.6% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | English, French |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 2.1 times more populous than Cameroon, with 63.1M residents compared to 29.4M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, South Africa 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 South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 7.5 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 South Africa are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 2.4 years. South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below 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 69% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Cameroon is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Cameroon is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 3.4x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 1.2x more densely populated than South Africa (62 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Africa live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Cameroon (66.1 vs 63.7 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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Cameroon for Retirees
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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.
South Africa vs Cameroon Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Cameroon by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. South Africa is 2.1 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Cameroon?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. South Africa's economy is 7.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Cameroon?
South Africa has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Cameroon?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². South Africa is 2.6 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Cameroon?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Cameroon?
South Africa has lower inflation at 4.4%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. South Africa's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 ...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer ...
Is South Africa or Cameroon better for retirement?
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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,...
Is South Africa or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is South Africa or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...