SpainCambodia
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Spain is 2.8 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 37.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 2.8 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 13.2 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Spain wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
SpainCambodia| Population | 49.3M | 17.6M |
| Area | 505,992 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.9 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.6 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.4% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Madrid | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Khmer |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Spain is 2.8 times more populous than Cambodia, with 49.3M residents compared to 17.6M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 37.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% 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 Spain are on average 13.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 13.2 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 681% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Cambodia is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 13.4x 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 Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 1.0x more densely populated than Cambodia (97 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 Spain live an average of 13.2 years longer than those of Cambodia (83.9 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 Spain's 3.5%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Cambodia for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain 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, Spain or Cambodia by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Spain is 2.8 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Cambodia?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Spain's economy is 37.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Cambodia?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.2 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Cambodia?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Spain is 2.8 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Cambodia?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in...
Is Spain or Cambodia better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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 Spain or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Spain or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...
Population Growth
Spain, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023