Ivory Coast vs Cameroon
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ivory Coast is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.5 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 1.8 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastCameroon| Population | +7.7%31.7M | -7.2%29.4M |
| Area | -32.2%322,463 km² | +47.4%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +63.4%$87.1B | -38.8%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +49.1%$2,727.894 | -32.9%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%61.9 yrs | +2.8%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +13.1%46.6 | -11.6%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -35.5%2.3% | +55.1%3.6% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | English, French |
| Currencies | XOF (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
Ivory Coast is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon, with 31.7M residents compared to 29.4M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 1.6 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 1.8 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 13% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cameroon is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Cameroon is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 1.5x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.6x more densely populated than Cameroon (98 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 1.8 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (63.7 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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, Ivory Coast or Cameroon by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Ivory Coast is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Cameroon?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Ivory Coast's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Cameroon?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Cameroon is 1.5 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Cameroon?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Cameroon?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Ivory Coast'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 Ivory Coast or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Ivory Coast or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer be...
Is Ivory Coast or Cameroon better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Ivory Coast or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Ivory Coast or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...