Cameroon vs Niger
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Niger's 26.3M. Cameroon is 1.1 times more populous than Niger. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger covers 1,267,000 km², 2.7 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 2.5 years higher than Niger's 61.2 years.
CameroonNiger| Population | +11.9%29.4M | -10.6%26.3M |
| Area | -62.5%475,442 km² | +166.5%1,267,000 km² |
| GDP | +168.1%$53.3B | -62.7%$19.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +148.9%$1,830.008 | -59.8%$735.27 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.1%63.7 yrs | -4.0%61.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -38.9%41.2 | +63.6%67.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +814.2%3.6% | -89.1%0.4% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Niamey |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | French |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | XOF (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
Cameroon is 1.1 times more populous than Niger, with 29.4M residents compared to 26.3M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Niger is a nation of 26.3M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Niger.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Niger is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.7 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Niger.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 61.2 years in Niger, a gap of 2.5 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 64% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Niger (1,267,000 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Niger borders 7 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Niger's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Niger are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Niger is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Niger's $19.9B represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Niger is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Niger's 1,267,000 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Niger is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Niger's $735.27 represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Niger's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 2.5x that of Niger ($735.27). 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
Cameroon is 3.0x more densely populated than Niger (62 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Niger (63.7 vs 61.2 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
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Niger for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Niger for Budget Travelers
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger 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.
Cameroon vs Niger for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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.
Cameroon vs Niger Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Niger can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Niger for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger'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, Cameroon or Niger by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Niger's 26.3M. Cameroon is 1.1 times more populous than Niger.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Niger?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Niger's $19.9B. Cameroon's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Niger?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Niger's 61.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger's is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Niger?
Niger is larger by land area, covering 1,267,000 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Niger is 2.7 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Niger?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Niger recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Niger?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Niger's 9.1%. Cameroon's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Niger's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.6 times the global median.
Is Cameroon or Niger better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Cameroon or Niger cheaper to visit?
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in s...
Is Cameroon or Niger better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Cameroon or Niger more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Cameroon or Niger better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...