South KoreaCameroon
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. South Korea is 1.7 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 35.2 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 4.7 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 19.7 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
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South Korea wins
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Cameroon wins
Metric
South KoreaCameroon| Population | 51.2M | 29.4M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 475,442 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | $53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | $1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 3.6% |
| Capital | Seoul | Yaoundé |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | English, French |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | 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
South Korea is 1.7 times more populous than Cameroon, with 51.2M residents compared to 29.4M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 35.2 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 South Korea are on average 19.8 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 19.7 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above 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 1691% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 4.7 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Cameroon is located in Africa. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Cameroon belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Cameroon is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cameroon is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 19.8x 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 South Korea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Korea is 8.2x more densely populated than Cameroon (511 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 South Korea live an average of 19.7 years longer than those of Cameroon (83.4 vs 63.7 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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though South Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea 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 Korea vs Cameroon for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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.
South Korea vs Cameroon Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 19.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, 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 South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea 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, South Korea or Cameroon by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. South Korea is 1.7 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Cameroon?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. South Korea's economy is 35.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Cameroon?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.7 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above 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, South Korea or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Cameroon is 4.7 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Cameroon?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Cameroon?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Korea or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer be...
Is South Korea or Cameroon better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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, ...
Is South Korea or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 19.8x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is South Korea or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cameroon, 1994 to 2023