Ecuador vs Cambodia
Ecuador has a population of 18.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ecuador is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Ecuador ($124.7B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ecuador covers 276,841 km², 1.5 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Ecuador stands at 77.4 years, 6.7 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
EcuadorCambodia| Population | +3.0%18.1M | -2.9%17.6M |
| Area | +52.9%276,841 km² | -34.6%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +169.0%$124.7B | -62.8%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +161.6%$6,874.706 | -61.8%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.5%77.4 yrs | -8.7%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -45.3%11.1 | +82.9%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1157.8%3.3% | -92.0%0.3% |
| Capital | Quito | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Khmer |
| Currencies | USD ($) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Ecuador is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia, with 18.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Ecuador is a nation of 18.1M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Ecuador averages 65 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Ecuador has grown at 1.30% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ecuador is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ecuador economy ($124.7B) is 2.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Ecuador's GDP per capita of $6,874.706 is 49% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ecuador are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ecuador is 77.4 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 6.7 years. Ecuador (77.4 years) is 5.4 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 83% higher than Ecuador's 11.1.
Geographic Comparison
Ecuador (276,841 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Ecuador shares borders with 2 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Ecuador spans 2 timezones, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Ecuador lies in South America, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Ecuador is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ecuador and Cambodia is in GDP: Ecuador's $124.7B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Ecuador and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Ecuador's $6,874.706 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Ecuador and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Ecuador's 11.1 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ecuador's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ecuador has a GDP per capita of $6,874.706, which is 2.6x 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 Ecuador is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.5x more densely populated than Ecuador (97 vs 65 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ecuador's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ecuador live an average of 6.7 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.4 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 Ecuador's -2.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Ecuador's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Ecuador vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Ecuador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (11.1 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ecuador's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ecuador vs Cambodia 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 Ecuador. However, Ecuador may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ecuador vs Cambodia for Retirees
Ecuador's life expectancy of 77.4 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.
Ecuador vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Ecuador's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ecuador, 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 Ecuador's smaller cities.
Ecuador vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ecuador and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ecuador spans 2 timezones while Cambodia 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, Ecuador or Cambodia by population?
Ecuador is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Ecuador is 1.0 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ecuador or Cambodia?
Ecuador has the higher GDP at $124.7B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Ecuador's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ecuador and Cambodia?
Ecuador has a higher life expectancy at 77.4 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.7 years. Ecuador's life expectancy is 5.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ecuador or Cambodia?
Ecuador is larger by land area, covering 276,841 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Ecuador is 1.5 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Ecuador and Cambodia?
Ecuador recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ecuador or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Ecuador's 1.5%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ecuador's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Ecuador or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ecuador generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (11.1 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Ecuador or Cambodia 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 Ecuador. However, Ecuador may offer better valu...
Is Ecuador or Cambodia better for retirement?
Ecuador's life expectancy of 77.4 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, clim...
Is Ecuador or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Ecuador's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ecuador, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ecuador or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ecuador and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ecuador spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...