Cameroon vs Nigeria
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 7.6 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.9 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 9.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
CameroonNigeria| Population | -86.8%29.4M | +660.1%223.8M |
| Area | -48.5%475,442 km² | +94.3%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -78.9%$53.3B | +373.3%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +68.8%$1,830.008 | -40.8%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.0%63.7 yrs | -14.5%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.4%41.2 | +45.9%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +17.6%3.6% | -14.9%3.1% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | English |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 7.6 times more populous than Cameroon, with 223.8M residents compared to 29.4M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 4.7 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 9.2 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 46% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Nigeria is in population: Cameroon's 29.4M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Nigeria is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Nigeria is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.7x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 3.9x more densely populated than Cameroon (242 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 Cameroon live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (63.7 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Nigeria for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Cameroon vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Cameroon or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Nigeria is 7.6 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Nigeria's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Nigeria?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Nigeria is 1.9 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Nigeria?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Nigeria recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Nigeria?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Cameroon or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Cameroon or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better valu...
Is Cameroon or Nigeria better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Cameroon or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Cameroon or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...