Nepal vs Cambodia
Nepal has a population of 29.9M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Nepal is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.2 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 0.3 years higher than Nepal's 70.4 years.
NepalCambodia| Population | +70.2%29.9M | -41.2%17.6M |
| Area | -18.7%147,181 km² | +23.0%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -7.4%$42.9B | +8.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.9%$1,447.31 | +81.6%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%70.4 yrs | +0.4%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +14.8%23.3 | -12.9%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3879.1%10.5% | -97.5%0.3% |
| Capital | Kathmandu | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Nepali | Khmer |
| Currencies | NPR (₨) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Nepal is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 29.9M residents compared to 17.6M. Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Nepal averages 203 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Nepal.
Economy Comparison
Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 1.1 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Nepal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nepal is 70.4 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 0.3 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 23.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nepal's infant mortality is 15% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Nepal shares borders with 2 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Nepal spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Nepal and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nepal and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Nepal's $1,447.31 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and Cambodia is in population: Nepal's 29.9M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 41% gap. The most significant difference between Nepal and Cambodia is in land area: Nepal's 147,181 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 19% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nepal's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 1.8x that of Nepal ($1,447.31). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nepal is 2.1x more densely populated than Cambodia (203 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cambodia live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Nepal (70.7 vs 70.4 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Nepal's 3.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Nepal vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 23.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nepal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Nepal vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nepal vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nepal 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.
Nepal vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nepal can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Nepal vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Nepal'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, Nepal or Cambodia by population?
Nepal is larger by population, with 29.9M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Nepal is 1.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nepal or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Nepal's $42.9B. Cambodia's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nepal and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Nepal's 70.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Nepal's life expectancy is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nepal or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². Cambodia is 1.2 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Nepal and Cambodia?
Nepal recognizes the following official language: Nepali. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nepal or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Nepal's 4.7%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nepal's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Nepal or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 23.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nepal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Nepal or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in...
Is Nepal or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nepal 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 Nepal or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Nepal or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nepal and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nepal spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Nepal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...