Burkina Faso vs Cambodia
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Burkina Faso is 1.4 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 2.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 1.5 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 9.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoCambodia| Population | +36.9%24.1M | -27.0%17.6M |
| Area | +50.8%272,967 km² | -33.7%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -50.1%$23.1B | +100.4%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -62.6%$981.993 | +167.6%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.6%61.1 yrs | +15.7%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +120.7%44.8 | -54.7%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1222.1%3.5% | -92.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Khmer |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Burkina Faso is 1.4 times more populous than Cambodia, with 24.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 2.0 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. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 9.6 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below 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 121% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cambodia is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 2.7x 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 Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.1x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (97 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 Cambodia live an average of 9.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Cambodia 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 Cambodia. However, Cambodia 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 Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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 Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, 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 Cambodia's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Cambodia 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, Burkina Faso or Cambodia by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Burkina Faso is 1.4 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Cambodia's economy is 2.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.6 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Cambodia?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Burkina Faso is 1.5 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Cambodia?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Cambodia'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 Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fri...
Is Burkina Faso or Cambodia 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 Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer be...
Is Burkina Faso or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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 Burkina Faso or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Burkina Faso or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...