Cameroon vs Mali
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Cameroon is 1.3 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.0 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.6 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 3.3 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
CameroonMali| Population | +31.5%29.4M | -23.9%22.4M |
| Area | -61.7%475,442 km² | +160.9%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +98.9%$53.3B | -49.7%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +67.2%$1,830.008 | -40.2%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.4%63.7 yrs | -5.1%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -28.5%41.2 | +39.8%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +27.2%3.6% | -21.4%2.8% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Bamako |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | French |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | XOF (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 1.3 times more populous than Mali, with 29.4M residents compared to 22.4M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.0 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 3.3 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 40% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Mali are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Mali is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Mali is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Mali is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Mali'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 1.7x that of Mali ($1,094.619). 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 3.4x more densely populated than Mali (62 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Mali (63.7 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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 Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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 Mali by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Cameroon is 1.3 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Mali?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Cameroon's economy is 2.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Mali?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Mali is 2.6 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Mali?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Mali recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Mali?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Mali's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Cameroon or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in ...
Is Cameroon or Mali better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Cameroon or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...