CambodiaSweden
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 13.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 2.5 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 12.6 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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Cambodia wins
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Sweden wins
Metric
CambodiaSweden| Population | 17.6M | 10.6M |
| Area | 181,035 km² | 450,295 km² |
| GDP | $46.4B | $603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,627.88 | $57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | 70.7 yrs | 83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.3 | 2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.3% | 8.7% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Khmer | Swedish |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | SEK (kr) |
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
Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden, with 17.6M residents compared to 10.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 13.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 21.7 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 12.6 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 915% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Sweden is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Sweden is in infant mortality: Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 21.7x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 4.1x more densely populated than Sweden (97 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Cambodia (83.3 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cambodia vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Cambodia vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 21.7x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Cambodia'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, Cambodia or Sweden by population?
Cambodia is larger by population, with 17.6M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Cambodia is 1.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Sweden's economy is 13.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Sweden is 2.5 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Sweden?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Sweden?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Cambodia or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value ...
Is Cambodia or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Cambodia or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 21.7x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Cambodia or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...