CambodiaBelgium
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Cambodia is 1.5 times more populous than Belgium. Economically, Belgium ($671.4B) has a GDP 14.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 5.9 times larger than Belgium's 30,528 km². Life expectancy in Belgium stands at 82.4 years, 11.7 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Cambodia wins
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Belgium wins
Metric
CambodiaBelgium| Population | 17.6M | 11.8M |
| Area | 181,035 km² | 30,528 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | $671.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | $56,614.568 |
| Life Expectancy | 70.7 yrs | 82.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.3 | 3.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | 5.9% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Brussels |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Khmer | German, French, Dutch |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | EUR (€) |
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
Cambodia is 1.5 times more populous than Belgium, with 17.6M residents compared to 11.8M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Belgium is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Belgium averages 387 people per km² (dense). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Belgium.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Belgium is classified as a high-income economy. The Belgium economy ($671.4B) is 14.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Belgium's GDP per capita of $56,614.568 is 102% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Belgium are on average 21.5 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 82.4 years in Belgium, a gap of 11.7 years. Belgium (82.4 years) is 10.4 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 577% higher than Belgium's 3.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 5.9 times larger by land area than Belgium (30,528 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Belgium borders 4 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Belgium's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Belgium is located in Europe. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Belgium belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Belgium is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Belgium's $56,614.568 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Belgium is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Belgium's $671.4B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Belgium is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Belgium's 3.0 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Belgium's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Belgium has a GDP per capita of $56,614.568, which is 21.5x 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 Belgium is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Belgium is 4.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (387 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 Belgium live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Cambodia (82.4 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 Belgium's 1.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Belgium for Families
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Belgium's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cambodia vs Belgium for Retirees
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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.
Cambodia vs Belgium Cost of Living
Belgium's GDP per capita is 21.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, 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 Belgium's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Belgium for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Belgium 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, Cambodia or Belgium by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Cambodia is 1.5 times more populous than Belgium.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Belgium?
Belgium has the higher GDP at $671.4B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Belgium's economy is 14.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Belgium?
Belgium has a higher life expectancy at 82.4 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Belgium's is 10.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Belgium?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Belgium's 30,528 km². Cambodia is 5.9 times larger than Belgium.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Belgium?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Belgium recognizes: German, French, Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Belgium?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Belgium's 3.1%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Belgium's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cambodia or Belgium better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Cambodia or Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium may offer better valu...
Is Cambodia or Belgium better for retirement?
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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, clim...
Is Cambodia or Belgium more expensive to live in?
Belgium's GDP per capita is 21.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Cambodia or Belgium better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Belgium covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...