Zambia vs Cambodia
Zambia has a population of 19.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Zambia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 4.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 4.3 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
ZambiaCambodia| Population | +12.0%19.7M | -10.7%17.6M |
| Area | +315.7%752,612 km² | -75.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -45.4%$25.3B | +83.2%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.8%$1,187.109 | +121.4%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.1%66.3 yrs | +6.5%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +52.2%30.9 | -34.3%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +2150.2%5.9% | -95.6%0.3% |
| Capital | Lusaka | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Khmer |
| Currencies | ZMW (ZK) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Zambia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 19.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Zambia averages 26 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 Zambia.
Economy Comparison
Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.8 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Cambodia are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Zambia is 66.3 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 4.3 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zambia's infant mortality is 52% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Zambia shares borders with 8 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Zambia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Zambia lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Zambia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Zambia and Cambodia is in land area: Zambia's 752,612 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Zambia and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Zambia's $1,187.109 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Zambia and Cambodia is in GDP: Zambia's $25.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Zambia's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 2.2x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 3.7x more densely populated than Zambia (97 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of Zambia (70.7 vs 66.3 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Zambia's 3.8%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Zambia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Zambia vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Zambia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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.
Zambia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Zambia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Zambia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zambia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Zambia'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, Zambia or Cambodia by population?
Zambia is larger by population, with 19.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Zambia is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Zambia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Cambodia's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Zambia and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. Zambia's life expectancy is 5.7 years below 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, Zambia or Cambodia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Zambia is 4.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Zambia and Cambodia?
Zambia recognizes the following official language: English. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Zambia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Zambia's 15.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Zambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median.
Is Zambia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Zambia or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value...
Is Zambia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Zambia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Zambia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Zambia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...