Burundi vs Haiti
Burundi has a population of 12.3M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Haiti ($25.2B) has a GDP 8.2 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi covers 27,834 km², 1.0 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 1.3 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
BurundiHaiti| Population | +3.9%12.3M | -3.8%11.9M |
| Area | +0.3%27,834 km² | -0.3%27,750 km² |
| GDP | -87.8%$3.1B | +718.3%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -89.8%$219.425 | +876.5%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.0%63.7 yrs | +2.0%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.8%31.5 | +27.9%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -93.8%0.9% | +1520.8%14.9% |
| Capital | Gitega | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Kirundi | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | BIF (Fr) | HTG (G) |
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
Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Haiti, with 12.3M residents compared to 11.9M. Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Haiti.
Economy Comparison
Burundi is classified as a low-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Haiti economy ($25.2B) is 8.2 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 9.8 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burundi is 63.7 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 1.3 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Haiti's infant mortality is 28% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Burundi (27,834 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Burundi shares borders with 3 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Burundi spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Burundi lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Burundi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burundi and Haiti is in GDP per capita: Burundi's $219.425 compared to Haiti's $2,142.623 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Haiti is in GDP: Burundi's $3.1B compared to Haiti's $25.2B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Haiti is in infant mortality: Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 compared to Haiti's 40.3 per 1,000 represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burundi's low-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 9.8x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 1.0x more densely populated than Haiti (443 vs 428 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Haiti's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Haiti live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Burundi (64.9 vs 63.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Burundi vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burundi vs Haiti for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burundi vs Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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.
Burundi vs Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 9.8x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Haiti's smaller cities.
Burundi vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Burundi'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, Burundi or Haiti by population?
Burundi is larger by population, with 12.3M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burundi or Haiti?
Haiti has the higher GDP at $25.2B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Haiti's economy is 8.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burundi and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Burundi's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burundi or Haiti?
Burundi is larger by land area, covering 27,834 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Burundi is 1.0 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Burundi and Haiti?
Burundi recognizes the following languages: French, Kirundi. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burundi or Haiti?
Burundi has lower inflation at 20.2%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Burundi's inflation is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burundi or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 40.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Haiti offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Burundi or Haiti cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value in sp...
Is Burundi or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Burundi or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 9.8x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Burundi or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...