Peru vs Cambodia
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 6.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 7.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 7.1 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
PeruCambodia| Population | +95.4%34.4M | -48.8%17.6M |
| Area | +609.9%1,285,216 km² | -85.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +524.0%$289.2B | -84.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +221.6%$8,452.372 | -68.9%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.0%77.7 yrs | -9.1%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.5%13.5 | +50.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1845.6%5.1% | -94.9%0.3% |
| Capital | Lima | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Khmer |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia, with 34.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 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 Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 6.2 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Peru are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 50% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 7.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Cambodia is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Cambodia is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 3.2x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 3.6x more densely populated than Peru (97 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 7.1 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.7 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 Peru's 3.3%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Cambodia for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Peru vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru 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, Peru or Cambodia by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Peru is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Cambodia?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Peru's economy is 6.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Cambodia?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Peru or Cambodia?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Peru is 7.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Cambodia?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in s...
Is Peru or Cambodia better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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...
Is Peru or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Peru or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....