Malaysia vs Cameroon
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Malaysia is 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 7.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.4 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 13.0 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
MalaysiaCameroon| Population | +16.3%34.2M | -14.0%29.4M |
| Area | -30.4%330,803 km² | +43.7%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +692.2%$422.2B | -87.4%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +548.9%$11,874.427 | -84.6%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.3%76.7 yrs | -16.9%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -83.5%6.8 | +505.9%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +4.5%3.8% | -4.3%3.6% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Yaoundé |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Malay | English, French |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | 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
Malaysia is 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon, with 34.2M residents compared to 29.4M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), 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 Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 7.9 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Malaysia are on average 6.5 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 13.0 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 506% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while Cameroon is located in Africa. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Cameroon belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Cameroon is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Malaysia's $11,874.427 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Cameroon is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 6.5x 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 Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.7x more densely populated than Cameroon (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 13.0 years longer than those of Cameroon (76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs Cameroon 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Cameroon for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 6.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. 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, Malaysia or Cameroon by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Malaysia is 1.2 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Cameroon?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Malaysia's economy is 7.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Cameroon?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.0 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 years above 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, Malaysia or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Cameroon is 1.4 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Cameroon?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Cameroon?
Malaysia has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Malaysia'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 Malaysia or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia or Cameroon 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better v...
Is Malaysia or Cameroon better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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 Malaysia or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 6.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Malaysia or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...