Vietnam vs Burkina Faso
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Vietnam is 4.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 20.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 13.5 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
VietnamBurkina Faso| Population | +321.0%101.3M | -76.2%24.1M |
| Area | +21.3%331,212 km² | -17.6%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1960.1%$476.4B | -95.1%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +380.4%$4,717.29 | -79.2%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.1%74.6 yrs | -18.1%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -68.8%14.0 | +220.0%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -56.2%1.5% | +128.3%3.5% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | French |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | XOF (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
Vietnam is 4.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 101.3M residents compared to 24.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 20.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 13.5 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 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 220% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Burkina Faso is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 4.8x 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 Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 3.5x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (306 vs 88 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Burkina Faso's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 13.5 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Burkina Faso 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Vietnam vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. 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, Vietnam or Burkina Faso by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Vietnam is 4.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Burkina Faso?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Vietnam's economy is 20.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Burkina Faso?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.5 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso's is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Burkina Faso?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Vietnam is 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Burkina Faso?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Burkina Faso?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 c...
Is Vietnam or Burkina Faso 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer bett...
Is Vietnam or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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, ...
Is Vietnam or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Vietnam or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...