Cameroon vs Chad
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Chad's 19.3M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Chad. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Chad covers 1,284,000 km², 2.7 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 8.6 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
CameroonChad| Population | +52.2%29.4M | -34.3%19.3M |
| Area | -63.0%475,442 km² | +170.1%1,284,000 km² |
| GDP | +173.1%$53.3B | -63.4%$19.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +90.3%$1,830.008 | -47.5%$961.56 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.7%63.7 yrs | -13.5%55.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -29.8%41.2 | +42.5%58.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +240.8%3.6% | -70.7%1.1% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | N'Djamena |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | Arabic, French |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | XAF (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
Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Chad, with 29.4M residents compared to 19.3M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Chad is a nation of 19.3M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Chad averages 15 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chad.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Chad is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.7 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Chad.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 55.1 years in Chad, a gap of 8.6 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 58.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chad's infant mortality is 42% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chad (1,284,000 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Chad borders 6 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Chad's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Chad are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Chad is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Chad's $19.5B represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Chad is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Chad's 1,284,000 km² represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Chad is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Chad's $961.56 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Chad's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.9x that of Chad ($961.56). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 4.1x more densely populated than Chad (62 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Chad (63.7 vs 55.1 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
Chad's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chad has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Chad for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Chad for Budget Travelers
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Chad for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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.
Cameroon vs Chad Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chad can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Chad for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad'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, Cameroon or Chad by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Chad's 19.3M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Chad.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Chad?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Chad's $19.5B. Cameroon's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Chad?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad's is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Chad?
Chad is larger by land area, covering 1,284,000 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Chad is 2.7 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Chad?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Chad recognizes: Arabic, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Chad?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Chad's 8.9%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Chad's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median.
Is Cameroon or Chad better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Cameroon or Chad cheaper to visit?
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in spe...
Is Cameroon or Chad better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Cameroon or Chad more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Cameroon or Chad better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...