Romania vs Cambodia
Romania has a population of 19.0M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Romania is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 8.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Romania covers 238,391 km², 1.3 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 5.9 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
RomaniaCambodia| Population | +8.3%19.0M | -7.7%17.6M |
| Area | +31.7%238,391 km² | -24.1%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +725.3%$382.6B | -87.9%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +664.1%$20,080.21 | -86.9%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.4%76.6 yrs | -7.8%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -73.4%5.4 | +275.9%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +2178.3%6.0% | -95.6%0.3% |
| Capital | Bucharest | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Romanian | Khmer |
| Currencies | RON (lei) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Romania is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia, with 19.0M residents compared to 17.6M. Romania is a nation of 19.0M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Romania averages 80 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 Romania.
Economy Comparison
Romania is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 8.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below 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 Romania are on average 7.6 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Romania is 76.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 5.9 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 276% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Romania (238,391 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Romania shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Romania spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Romania lies in Europe, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Romania is categorized within the Europe region (Southeast Europe), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Romania and Cambodia is in GDP: Romania's $382.6B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Romania and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Romania's $20,080.21 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Romania and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Romania's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 7.6x 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 Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.2x more densely populated than Romania (97 vs 80 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Romania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Romania live an average of 5.9 years longer than those of Cambodia (76.6 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 Romania's 0.9%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Romania vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Romania vs Cambodia for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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.
Romania vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 7.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Romania vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Romania and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Romania 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, Romania or Cambodia by population?
Romania is larger by population, with 19.0M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Romania is 1.1 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Romania or Cambodia?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Romania's economy is 8.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Romania and Cambodia?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.9 years. Romania's life expectancy is 4.6 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, Romania or Cambodia?
Romania is larger by land area, covering 238,391 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Romania is 1.3 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Romania and Cambodia?
Romania recognizes the following official language: Romanian. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Romania or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Romania or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 countr...
Is Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better valu...
Is Romania or Cambodia better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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, clim...
Is Romania or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 7.6x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Romania or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Romania and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Romania spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...