Cameroon vs Zambia
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 1.6 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Zambia stands at 66.3 years, 2.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonZambia| Population | +49.5%29.4M | -33.1%19.7M |
| Area | -36.8%475,442 km² | +58.3%752,612 km² |
| GDP | +110.6%$53.3B | -52.5%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +54.2%$1,830.008 | -35.1%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.0%63.7 yrs | +4.2%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +33.3%41.2 | -25.0%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -39.1%3.6% | +64.3%5.9% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Lusaka |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | English |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | ZMW (ZK) |
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 Zambia, with 29.4M residents compared to 19.7M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Zambia.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.1 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 2.6 years. Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 33% higher than Zambia's 30.9.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Zambia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zambia is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zambia is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Zambia's 752,612 km² represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Zambia is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Zambia's $1,187.109 represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Zambia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.5x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). 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 2.4x more densely populated than Zambia (62 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Zambia live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (66.3 vs 63.7 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
Zambia's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Zambia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Zambia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Zambia for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Zambia Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia'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 Zambia by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Cameroon is 1.5 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Zambia?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Cameroon's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Zambia?
Zambia has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Zambia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Zambia is 1.6 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Zambia?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Zambia recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Zambia?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Zambia's 15.0%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Zambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median.
Is Cameroon or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Cameroon or Zambia cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value...
Is Cameroon or Zambia better for retirement?
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Cameroon or Zambia more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Cameroon or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...