North Korea vs Cambodia
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. North Korea is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia. Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.5 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 3.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
North KoreaCambodia| Population | +47.6%25.9M | -32.3%17.6M |
| Area | -33.4%120,538 km² | +50.2%181,035 km² |
| GDP | — | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%73.6 yrs | -4.0%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -28.6%14.5 | +40.0%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1247.9%3.5% | -92.6%0.3% |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Khmer |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
North Korea is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia, with 25.9M residents compared to 17.6M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Cambodia's GDP stands at $46.4B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.0 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 40% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both North Korea and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and Cambodia is in land area: North Korea's 120,538 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 33% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Cambodia is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Cambodia is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 29% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 2.2x more densely populated than Cambodia (215 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 North Korea live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (73.6 vs 70.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
North Korea vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
North Korea vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea 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.
North Korea vs Cambodia for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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.
North Korea vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, North Korea or Cambodia by population?
North Korea is larger by population, with 25.9M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. North Korea is 1.5 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or Cambodia?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between North Korea and Cambodia?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 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, North Korea or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Cambodia is 1.5 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and Cambodia?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is North Korea or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is North Korea or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer ...
Is North Korea or Cambodia better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, ...
Is North Korea or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...