Uganda vs Cameroon
Uganda has a population of 45.9M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Uganda is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Uganda ($53.9B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 2.0 times larger than Uganda's 241,550 km². Life expectancy in Uganda stands at 68.3 years, 4.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
UgandaCameroon| Population | +55.9%45.9M | -35.9%29.4M |
| Area | -49.2%241,550 km² | +96.8%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +1.2%$53.9B | -1.1%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -41.1%$1,077.913 | +69.8%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.1%68.3 yrs | -6.7%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.0%27.6 | +49.3%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -23.8%2.7% | +31.2%3.6% |
| Capital | Kampala | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | English, French |
| Currencies | UGX (Sh) | XAF (Fr) |
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
Uganda is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon, with 45.9M residents compared to 29.4M. Uganda is a nation of 45.9M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Uganda averages 190 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Uganda has grown at 3.25% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Uganda is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Uganda economy ($53.9B) is 1.0 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Uganda's GDP per capita of $1,077.913 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% 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 Uganda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Uganda is 68.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 4.6 years. Uganda (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 49% higher than Uganda's 27.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Uganda (241,550 km²). Uganda shares borders with 5 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Uganda spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Uganda and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Uganda and Cameroon is in land area: Uganda's 241,550 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Uganda's $1,077.913 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 41% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Cameroon is in population: Uganda's 45.9M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Uganda's low-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-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 Uganda ($1,077.913). 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
Uganda is 3.1x more densely populated than Cameroon (190 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 Uganda live an average of 4.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (68.3 vs 63.7 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.
Economic Momentum
Uganda's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Uganda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Uganda vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Uganda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Uganda vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda 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.
Uganda vs Cameroon for Retirees
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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.
Uganda vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Uganda can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Uganda vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Uganda'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, Uganda or Cameroon by population?
Uganda is larger by population, with 45.9M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Uganda is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Uganda or Cameroon?
Uganda has the higher GDP at $53.9B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Uganda's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Uganda and Cameroon?
Uganda has a higher life expectancy at 68.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.6 years. Uganda's life expectancy is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Uganda or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km². Cameroon is 2.0 times larger than Uganda.
What languages are spoken in Uganda and Cameroon?
Uganda recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Uganda or Cameroon?
Uganda has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Uganda's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Uganda or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Uganda or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value...
Is Uganda or Cameroon better for retirement?
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Uganda or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Uganda or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Uganda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...