Cambodia vs Papua New Guinea
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Cambodia is 1.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 2.6 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 4.5 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
CambodiaPapua New Guinea| Population | +49.2%17.6M | -33.0%11.8M |
| Area | -60.9%181,035 km² | +155.7%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +45.8%$46.4B | -31.4%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -12.6%$2,627.88 | +14.4%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.9%70.7 yrs | -6.4%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -36.6%20.3 | +57.6%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -89.8%0.3% | +877.6%2.6% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Port Moresby |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | Khmer | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | PGK (K) |
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 Papua New Guinea, with 17.6M residents compared to 11.8M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.5 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 4.5 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 58% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 1.1x 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 Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 3.8x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (97 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 4.5 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (70.7 vs 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea 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.
Cambodia vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Cambodia is 1.5 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Papua New Guinea?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Cambodia's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.5 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Papua New Guinea is 2.6 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Papua New Guinea?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Cambodia's 0.8%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cambodia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family...
Is Cambodia or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may...
Is Cambodia or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is Cambodia or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Cambodia or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for s...