Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Cameroon is 2.6 times more populous than United Arab Emirates. Economically, United Arab Emirates ($552.3B) has a GDP 10.4 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 5.7 times larger than United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 19.2 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
CameroonUnited Arab Emirates| Population | +160.7%29.4M | -61.6%11.3M |
| Area | +468.7%475,442 km² | -82.4%83,600 km² |
| GDP | -90.4%$53.3B | +936.3%$552.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.4%$1,830.008 | +2647.2%$50,273.506 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.2%63.7 yrs | +30.2%82.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +930.0%41.2 | -90.3%4.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +65.7%3.6% | -39.6%2.2% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Abu Dhabi |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, French | Arabic |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | AED (د.إ) |
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
Cameroon is 2.6 times more populous than United Arab Emirates, with 29.4M residents compared to 11.3M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy. The United Arab Emirates economy ($552.3B) is 10.4 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of United Arab Emirates are on average 27.5 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 82.9 years in United Arab Emirates, a gap of 19.2 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 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 930% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 5.7 times larger by land area than United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while United Arab Emirates borders 2 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to United Arab Emirates's 1 timezone. Cameroon lies in Africa, while United Arab Emirates is located in Asia. Cameroon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas United Arab Emirates belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to United Arab Emirates's $50,273.506 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to United Arab Emirates's $552.3B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates is in infant mortality: Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 compared to United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and United Arab Emirates's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita of $50,273.506, which is 27.5x 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 United Arab Emirates is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United Arab Emirates is 2.2x more densely populated than Cameroon (135 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 United Arab Emirates live an average of 19.2 years longer than those of Cameroon (82.9 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
United Arab Emirates's economy grew at 4.0% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United Arab Emirates has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates for Families
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 United Arab Emirates's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emirates may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates for Retirees
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 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.
Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates Cost of Living
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 27.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, 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 United Arab Emirates's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs United Arab Emirates for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates 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, Cameroon or United Arab Emirates by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to United Arab Emirates's 11.3M. Cameroon is 2.6 times more populous than United Arab Emirates.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has the higher GDP at $552.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. United Arab Emirates's economy is 10.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.2 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while United Arab Emirates's is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or United Arab Emirates?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Cameroon is 5.7 times larger than United Arab Emirates.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and United Arab Emirates?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. United Arab Emirates recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. United Arab Emirates'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 Cameroon or United Arab Emirates better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 fam...
Is Cameroon or United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates. However, United Arab Emi...
Is Cameroon or United Arab Emirates better for retirement?
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 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...
Is Cameroon or United Arab Emirates more expensive to live in?
United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita is 27.5x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Arab Emirates, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost o...
Is Cameroon or United Arab Emirates better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and United Arab Emirates, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while United Arab Emirates covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attracti...