Italy vs Burundi
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Italy is 4.8 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 772.4 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 10.8 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 20.0 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
ItalyBurundi| Population | +377.8%58.9M | -79.1%12.3M |
| Area | +982.6%301,336 km² | -90.8%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +77138.5%$2.38T | -99.9%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +18305.1%$40,385.341 | -99.5%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +31.5%83.7 yrs | -24.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -92.7%2.3 | +1269.6%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +593.2%6.4% | -85.6%0.9% |
| Capital | Rome | Gitega |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Italy is 4.8 times more populous than Burundi, with 58.9M residents compared to 12.3M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 772.4 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Italy are on average 184.1 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 20.0 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above 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 1270% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 10.8 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Burundi is located in Africa. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Burundi is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Burundi is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 184.1x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 2.3x more densely populated than Italy (443 vs 196 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Italy's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 20.0 years longer than those of Burundi (83.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Burundi for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Burundi Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 184.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy 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, Italy or Burundi by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Italy is 4.8 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Burundi?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Italy's economy is 772.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Burundi?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.0 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above 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, Italy or Burundi?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Italy is 10.8 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Burundi?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Burundi?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Italy or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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...
Is Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in sp...
Is Italy or Burundi better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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 Italy or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 184.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Italy or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...