Italy vs Cambodia
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Italy is 3.4 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 51.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 1.7 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 13.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
ItalyCambodia| Population | +235.2%58.9M | -70.2%17.6M |
| Area | +66.5%301,336 km² | -39.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +5036.3%$2.38T | -98.1%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1436.8%$40,385.341 | -93.5%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.4%83.7 yrs | -15.6%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -88.7%2.3 | +782.6%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +2330.0%6.4% | -95.9%0.3% |
| Capital | Rome | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Khmer |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Italy is 3.4 times more populous than Cambodia, with 58.9M residents compared to 17.6M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 51.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Italy are on average 15.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 13.0 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 783% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Cambodia is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 15.4x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 2.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (196 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 Italy live an average of 13.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Cambodia for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 15.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone 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, Italy or Cambodia by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Italy is 3.4 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Cambodia?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Italy's economy is 51.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Cambodia?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.0 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Cambodia?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Italy is 1.7 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Cambodia?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Italy's 1.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Italy's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 countrie...
Is Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in...
Is Italy or Cambodia better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, climat...
Is Italy or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 15.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Italy or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...