Cambodia vs Cuba
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Cambodia is 1.8 times more populous than Cuba. Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.6 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 7.4 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaCuba| Population | +80.3%17.6M | -44.5%9.7M |
| Area | +64.8%181,035 km² | -39.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -9.5%70.7 yrs | +10.5%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +207.6%20.3 | -67.5%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -84.9%0.3% | +563.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Khmer | Spanish |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Cambodia is 1.8 times more populous than Cuba, with 17.6M residents compared to 9.7M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Cambodia's GDP stands at $46.4B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 7.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 208% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Cuba is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Cuba is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Cuba is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.1x more densely populated than Cuba (97 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 7.4 years longer than those of Cambodia (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cambodia vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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.
Cambodia vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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, Cambodia or Cuba by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Cambodia is 1.8 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.4 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Cuba?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Cambodia is 1.6 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Cuba?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Cambodia or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 att...
Is Cambodia or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in s...
Is Cambodia or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cambodia or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...