Sri Lanka vs Cambodia
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Sri Lanka ($99.0B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 2.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 6.8 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
Sri LankaCambodia| Population | +23.8%21.8M | -19.2%17.6M |
| Area | -63.8%65,610 km² | +175.9%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +113.5%$99.0B | -53.2%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +71.8%$4,515.568 | -41.8%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.6%77.5 yrs | -8.8%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -73.9%5.3 | +283.0%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1422.8%4.0% | -93.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | Khmer |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia, with 21.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), 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 Sri Lanka.
Economy Comparison
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Sri Lanka economy ($99.0B) is 2.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Sri Lanka are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 6.8 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 283% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Sri Lanka and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Cambodia is in land area: Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Cambodia is in GDP: Sri Lanka's $99.0B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sri Lanka has a GDP per capita of $4,515.568, which is 1.7x 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 Sri Lanka is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sri Lanka is 3.4x more densely populated than Cambodia (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 6.8 years longer than those of Cambodia (77.5 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 Sri Lanka's 5.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Sri Lanka vs Cambodia for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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.
Sri Lanka vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka 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, Sri Lanka or Cambodia by population?
Sri Lanka is larger by population, with 21.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Cambodia?
Sri Lanka has the higher GDP at $99.0B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Sri Lanka's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Cambodia?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.8 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 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, Sri Lanka or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Cambodia is 2.8 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Cambodia?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Cambodia?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Cambodia's 0.8%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cambodia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Sri Lanka or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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-friendl...
Is Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka may offer better ...
Is Sri Lanka or Cambodia better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, cl...
Is Sri Lanka or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Sri Lanka's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Sri Lanka or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...