CameroonPortugal
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Cameroon is 2.7 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 5.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 5.2 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 18.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
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Cameroon wins
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Portugal wins
Metric
CameroonPortugal| Population | 29.4M | 10.7M |
| Area | 475,442 km² | 92,090 km² |
| GDP | $53.3B | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,830.008 | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.7 yrs | 82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 41.2 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.6% | 6.2% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English, French | Portuguese |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 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 2.7 times more populous than Portugal, with 29.4M residents compared to 10.7M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 5.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 16.0 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 18.6 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 1485% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Cameroon lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Portugal is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Portugal is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 16.0x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.9x more densely populated than Cameroon (117 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 Portugal live an average of 18.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (82.3 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.
Economic Momentum
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Cameroon vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 16.0x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cameroon'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 Portugal by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Cameroon is 2.7 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Portugal's economy is 5.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.6 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Portugal?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Cameroon is 5.2 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Portugal?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Cameroon or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better v...
Is Cameroon or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, cli...
Is Cameroon or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 16.0x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Cameroon or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...
Population Growth
Cameroon, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Portugal, 1994 to 2023