DR Congo vs Cameroon
DR Congo has a population of 112.8M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. DR Congo is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, DR Congo ($71.0B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). DR Congo covers 2,344,858 km², 4.9 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 1.8 years higher than DR Congo's 61.9 years.
DR CongoCameroon| Population | +283.2%112.8M | -73.9%29.4M |
| Area | +393.2%2,344,858 km² | -79.7%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +33.1%$71.0B | -24.9%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -64.5%$649.383 | +181.8%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%61.9 yrs | +2.9%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +8.0%44.5 | -7.4%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +23.1%4.4% | -18.8%3.6% |
| Capital | Kinshasa | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili | English, French |
| Currencies | CDF (FC) | 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
DR Congo is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon, with 112.8M residents compared to 29.4M. DR Congo is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, DR Congo averages 48 people per km² (sparse), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for DR Congo.
Economy Comparison
DR Congo is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The DR Congo economy ($71.0B) is 1.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). DR Congo's GDP per capita of $649.383 is 70% 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 2.8 times wealthier than those in DR Congo.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in DR Congo is 61.9 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 1.8 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while DR Congo (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, DR Congo's infant mortality is 8% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
DR Congo (2,344,858 km²) is 4.9 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). DR Congo shares borders with 9 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. DR Congo spans 2 timezones, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both DR Congo and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cameroon is in land area: DR Congo's 2,344,858 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cameroon is in population: DR Congo's 112.8M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between DR Congo and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: DR Congo's $649.383 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between DR Congo'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 2.8x that of DR Congo ($649.383). 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 1.3x more densely populated than DR Congo (62 vs 48 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. DR Congo's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 1.8 years longer than those of DR Congo (63.7 vs 61.9 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
DR Congo's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. DR Congo's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
DR Congo vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cameroon for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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.
DR Congo vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in DR Congo can approach or exceed average costs in Cameroon's smaller cities.
DR Congo vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Cameroon covers 1. DR Congo'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, DR Congo or Cameroon by population?
DR Congo is larger by population, with 112.8M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. DR Congo is 3.8 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, DR Congo or Cameroon?
DR Congo has the higher GDP at $71.0B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. DR Congo's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between DR Congo and Cameroon?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to DR Congo's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. DR Congo's life expectancy is 10.1 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, DR Congo or Cameroon?
DR Congo is larger by land area, covering 2,344,858 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². DR Congo is 4.9 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in DR Congo and Cameroon?
DR Congo recognizes the following languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, DR Congo or Cameroon?
Inflation data is not available for DR Congo. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is DR Congo or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 vs 44.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. DR Congo offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is DR Congo or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
DR Congo is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $649.383 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in DR Congo can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better val...
Is DR Congo or Cameroon better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. DR Congo 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 DR Congo or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of DR Congo, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while DR Congo offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is DR Congo or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between DR Congo and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. DR Congo spans 2 timezones while Cameroon covers 1. DR Congo's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...