Cameroon vs North Korea
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Cameroon is 1.1 times more populous than North Korea. Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 3.9 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 9.9 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonNorth Korea| Population | +13.5%29.4M | -11.9%25.9M |
| Area | +294.4%475,442 km² | -74.6%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $53.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,830.008 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -13.5%63.7 yrs | +15.6%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +184.1%41.2 | -64.8%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1.6%3.6% | -1.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Pyongyang |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, French | Korean |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | KPW (₩) |
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 North Korea, with 29.4M residents compared to 25.9M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Cameroon's GDP stands at $53.3B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 9.9 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above 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 184% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 3.9 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while North Korea is located in Asia. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and North Korea is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and North Korea is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and North Korea is in life expectancy: Cameroon's 63.7 years compared to North Korea's 73.6 years represents a 14% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 3.5x more densely populated than Cameroon (215 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 North Korea live an average of 9.9 years longer than those of Cameroon (73.6 vs 63.7 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.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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 North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea 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 North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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.
Cameroon vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while North Korea 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, Cameroon or North Korea by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Cameroon is 1.1 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.9 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or North Korea?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Cameroon is 3.9 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and North Korea?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Cameroon or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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-frie...
Is Cameroon or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer be...
Is Cameroon or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, ...
Is Cameroon or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...