Cambodia vs Burundi
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Cambodia is 1.4 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 15.0 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 6.5 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
CambodiaBurundi| Population | +42.5%17.6M | -29.8%12.3M |
| Area | +550.4%181,035 km² | -84.6%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +1403.8%$46.4B | -93.4%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1097.6%$2,627.88 | -91.7%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.0%70.7 yrs | -9.9%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -35.6%20.3 | +55.2%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.5%0.3% | +250.6%0.9% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Gitega |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Khmer | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | BIF (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
Cambodia is 1.4 times more populous than Burundi, with 17.6M residents compared to 12.3M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 15.0 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 12.0 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 7.0 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 55% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 6.5 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Burundi is located in Africa. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Burundi is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Burundi is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 12.0x that of Burundi ($219.425). 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
Burundi is 4.6x more densely populated than Cambodia (443 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 Cambodia live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Burundi (70.7 vs 63.7 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 Burundi's 4.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Cambodia vs Burundi for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi 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.
Cambodia vs Burundi for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 12.0x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi'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 Burundi by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Cambodia is 1.4 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Burundi?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Cambodia's economy is 15.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Burundi?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Burundi?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Cambodia is 6.5 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Burundi?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Burundi?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Cambodia or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Cambodia or Burundi cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value...
Is Cambodia or Burundi better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 12.0x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Cambodia or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...