Ghana vs Burundi
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Ghana is 2.7 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 26.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Ghana covers 238,533 km², 8.6 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 1.8 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
GhanaBurundi| Population | +173.6%33.7M | -63.5%12.3M |
| Area | +757.0%238,533 km² | -88.3%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +2570.2%$82.3B | -96.3%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +989.6%$2,390.772 | -90.8%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.9%65.5 yrs | -2.8%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -10.5%28.2 | +11.7%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +223.1%3.0% | -69.1%0.9% |
| Capital | Accra | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | BIF (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
Ghana is 2.7 times more populous than Burundi, with 33.7M residents compared to 12.3M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 26.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 10.9 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 1.8 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 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 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 12% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 8.6 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both Ghana and Burundi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Burundi is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Burundi is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 10.9x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 3.1x more densely populated than Ghana (443 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Ghana live an average of 1.8 years longer than those of Burundi (65.5 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
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Burundi's 4.1%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Burundi 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ghana vs Burundi for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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.
Ghana vs Burundi Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 10.9x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, 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 Ghana's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Burundi 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, Ghana or Burundi by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Ghana is 2.7 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Burundi?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Ghana's economy is 26.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Burundi?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Burundi?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Ghana is 8.6 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Burundi?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Burundi?
Burundi has lower inflation at 20.2%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Burundi's inflation is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ghana or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Ghana or Burundi 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in sp...
Is Ghana or Burundi better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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 Ghana or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 10.9x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Ghana or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...