Turkey vs Cambodia
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Turkey is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 29.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 4.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 6.5 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
TurkeyCambodia| Population | +387.3%85.7M | -79.5%17.6M |
| Area | +332.8%783,562 km² | -76.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +2832.1%$1.36T | -96.6%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +504.8%$15,892.716 | -83.5%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.2%77.2 yrs | -8.4%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -55.2%9.1 | +123.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3139.5%8.5% | -96.9%0.3% |
| Capital | Ankara | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | Khmer |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Turkey is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 85.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 29.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Turkey are on average 6.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 6.5 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 123% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 4.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Cambodia are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Cambodia is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Cambodia is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 6.0x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 1.1x more densely populated than Cambodia (109 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 Turkey live an average of 6.5 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.2 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 Turkey's 3.3%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Cambodia for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or Cambodia by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Turkey is 4.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Cambodia?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Turkey's economy is 29.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Cambodia?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.5 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Cambodia?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Turkey is 4.3 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Cambodia?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value ...
Is Turkey or Cambodia better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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, clima...
Is Turkey or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Turkey or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...