Cambodia vs Switzerland
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Cambodia is 1.9 times more populous than Switzerland. Economically, Switzerland ($936.6B) has a GDP 20.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 4.4 times larger than Switzerland's 41,284 km². Life expectancy in Switzerland stands at 84.1 years, 13.4 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaSwitzerland| Population | +93.5%17.6M | -48.3%9.1M |
| Area | +338.5%181,035 km² | -77.2%41,284 km² |
| GDP | -95.1%$46.4B | +1920.5%$936.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.5%$2,627.88 | +3857.5%$103,998.187 |
| Life Expectancy | -15.9%70.7 yrs | +18.9%84.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +480.0%20.3 | -82.8%3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -94.6%0.3% | +1752.9%4.9% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Bern |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Khmer | French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | CHF (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 1.9 times more populous than Switzerland, with 17.6M residents compared to 9.1M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Switzerland is a nation of 9.1M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Switzerland averages 220 people per km² (dense). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Switzerland.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Switzerland is classified as a high-income economy. The Switzerland economy ($936.6B) is 20.2 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. Switzerland's GDP per capita of $103,998.187 is 271% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Switzerland are on average 39.6 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 84.1 years in Switzerland, a gap of 13.4 years. Switzerland (84.1 years) is 12.1 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 480% higher than Switzerland's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Switzerland (41,284 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Switzerland borders 5 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Switzerland's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Switzerland is located in Europe. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Switzerland belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Switzerland is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Switzerland's $103,998.187 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Switzerland is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Switzerland's $936.6B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Switzerland is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Switzerland's 3.5 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Switzerland's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $103,998.187, which is 39.6x 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 Switzerland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Switzerland is 2.3x more densely populated than Cambodia (220 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 Switzerland live an average of 13.4 years longer than those of Cambodia (84.1 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 Switzerland's 1.3%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Switzerland for Families
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Switzerland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland 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 Switzerland for Retirees
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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 Switzerland Cost of Living
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 39.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, 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 Switzerland's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Switzerland for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Switzerland 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 Switzerland by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Cambodia is 1.9 times more populous than Switzerland.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Switzerland?
Switzerland has the higher GDP at $936.6B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Switzerland's economy is 20.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Switzerland?
Switzerland has a higher life expectancy at 84.1 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.4 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Switzerland's is 12.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Switzerland?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km². Cambodia is 4.4 times larger than Switzerland.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Switzerland?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Switzerland recognizes: French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Switzerland?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Switzerland's 1.1%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Switzerland's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Switzerland better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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-frien...
Is Cambodia or Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland may offer bet...
Is Cambodia or Switzerland better for retirement?
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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, ...
Is Cambodia or Switzerland more expensive to live in?
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 39.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is Cambodia or Switzerland better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Switzerland covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...