NigeriaCambodia
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 5.1 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 16.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Nigeria wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
NigeriaCambodia| Population | 223.8M | 17.6M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Abuja | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Khmer |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia, with 223.8M residents compared to 17.6M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 5.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 2.4 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 16.2 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 196% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 5.1 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cambodia is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cambodia is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Cambodia is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-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 2.4x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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
Nigeria is 2.5x more densely populated than Cambodia (242 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 16.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (70.7 vs 54.5 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Nigeria vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Cambodia's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Cambodia by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Nigeria is 12.7 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Cambodia?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Nigeria's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Cambodia?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Nigeria is 5.1 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Cambodia?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Nigeria or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better valu...
Is Nigeria or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Nigeria or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Nigeria or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023