South AfricaCambodia
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. South Africa is 3.6 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 8.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 6.7 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 4.5 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
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South Africa wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
South AfricaCambodia| Population | 63.1M | 17.6M |
| Area | 1,221,037 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 24.4 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Khmer |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
South Africa is 3.6 times more populous than Cambodia, with 63.1M residents compared to 17.6M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 8.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 South Africa are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 4.5 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 20% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Cambodia is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Cambodia is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Cambodia is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 2.4x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.9x more densely populated than South Africa (97 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 4.5 years longer than those of South Africa (70.7 vs 66.1 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Cambodia Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Cambodia by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. South Africa is 3.6 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Cambodia?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. South Africa's economy is 8.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.5 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Cambodia?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². South Africa is 6.7 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Cambodia?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fri...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer b...
Is South Africa or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is South Africa or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is South Africa or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...