NigerCambodia
Niger has a population of 26.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Niger is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger covers 1,267,000 km², 7.0 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 9.5 years higher than Niger's 61.2 years.
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Cambodia wins
Metric
NigerCambodia| Population | 26.3M | 17.6M |
| Area | 1,267,000 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $19.9B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $735.27 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 61.2 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 67.4 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.4% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Niamey | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Khmer |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Niger is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia, with 26.3M residents compared to 17.6M. Niger is a nation of 26.3M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse), 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 Niger.
Economy Comparison
Niger is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 2.3 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below 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 Cambodia are on average 3.6 times wealthier than those in Niger.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Niger is 61.2 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 9.5 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 232% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Niger (1,267,000 km²) is 7.0 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Niger shares borders with 7 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Niger spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Niger lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Niger is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Niger and Cambodia is in land area: Niger's 1,267,000 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Niger and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Niger's $735.27 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Niger and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Niger's 67.4 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Niger's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 3.6x that of Niger ($735.27). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 4.7x more densely populated than Niger (97 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 9.5 years longer than those of Niger (70.7 vs 61.2 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
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Niger vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger 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.
Niger vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Niger vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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.
Niger vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Niger can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Niger vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Niger and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Niger spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Niger'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, Niger or Cambodia by population?
Niger is larger by population, with 26.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Niger is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Niger or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Niger's $19.9B. Cambodia's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Niger and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Niger's 61.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.5 years. Niger's life expectancy is 10.8 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, Niger or Cambodia?
Niger is larger by land area, covering 1,267,000 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Niger is 7.0 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Niger and Cambodia?
Niger recognizes the following official language: French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Niger or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Niger's 9.1%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Niger's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.6 times the global median.
Is Niger or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Niger or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in s...
Is Niger or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Niger or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 3.6x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Niger or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Niger and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Niger spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Niger's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...