Algeria vs Cameroon
Algeria has a population of 47.4M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Algeria is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 5.1 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 5.0 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 12.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
AlgeriaCameroon| Population | +61.0%47.4M | -37.9%29.4M |
| Area | +401.0%2,381,741 km² | -80.0%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +405.3%$269.3B | -80.2%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +214.4%$5,752.991 | -68.2%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.7%76.3 yrs | -16.5%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -52.2%19.7 | +109.1%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +223.0%11.6% | -69.0%3.6% |
| Capital | Algiers | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English, French |
| Currencies | DZD (د.ج) | 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
Algeria is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon, with 47.4M residents compared to 29.4M. Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Algeria averages 20 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 Algeria.
Economy Comparison
Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 5.1 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above 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 Algeria are on average 3.1 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Algeria is 76.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 12.6 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 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 109% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Algeria shares borders with 7 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Algeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Algeria and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Algeria and Cameroon is in GDP: Algeria's $269.3B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Cameroon is in land area: Algeria's 2,381,741 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Algeria's $5,752.991 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Algeria's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 3.1x 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 Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 3.1x more densely populated than Algeria (62 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (76.3 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
Algeria's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Algeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Algeria vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Algeria vs Cameroon for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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.
Algeria vs Cameroon Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, 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 Algeria's smaller cities.
Algeria vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria 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, Algeria or Cameroon by population?
Algeria is larger by population, with 47.4M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Algeria is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Algeria or Cameroon?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Algeria's economy is 5.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Algeria and Cameroon?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Algeria's life expectancy is 4.3 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, Algeria or Cameroon?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Algeria is 5.0 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Algeria and Cameroon?
Algeria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Algeria or Cameroon?
Algeria has lower inflation at 4.0%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Algeria's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Algeria or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better val...
Is Algeria or Cameroon better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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, clim...
Is Algeria or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Algeria or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...