Burkina Faso vs United States
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 1243.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 34.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 17.3 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoUnited States| Population | -92.9%24.1M | +1313.0%340.1M |
| Area | -97.1%272,967 km² | +3389.5%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -99.9%$23.1B | +124229.9%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.8%$981.993 | +8508.4%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -22.1%61.1 yrs | +28.3%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +714.5%44.8 | -87.7%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -17.2%3.5% | +20.7%4.2% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | USD ($) |
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
United States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 340.1M residents compared to 24.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 1243.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 86.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 17.3 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso (61.1 years) is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burkina Faso's infant mortality is 715% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 34.9 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while United States is located in North America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and United States is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and United States is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and United States is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 86.1x that of Burkina Faso ($981.993). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 2.5x more densely populated than United States (88 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 17.3 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (78.4 vs 61.1 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
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to United States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs United States for Budget Travelers
Burkina Faso is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $981.993 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burkina Faso can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burkina Faso vs United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burkina Faso 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.
Burkina Faso vs United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 86.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burkina Faso can approach or exceed average costs in United States's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Burkina Faso'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, Burkina Faso or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. United States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. United States's economy is 1243.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.3 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². United States is 34.9 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and United States?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or United States?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. United States's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Burkina Faso or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. B...
Is Burkina Faso or United States cheaper to visit?
Burkina Faso is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $981.993 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burkina Faso can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States ma...
Is Burkina Faso or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burkina Faso may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ac...
Is Burkina Faso or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 86.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of livi...
Is Burkina Faso or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractiv...