Burkina Faso vs Chile
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. Burkina Faso is 1.2 times more populous than Chile. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 14.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 2.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 20.1 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoChile| Population | +19.1%24.1M | -16.1%20.2M |
| Area | -63.9%272,967 km² | +177.0%756,102 km² |
| GDP | -93.0%$23.1B | +1328.2%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.1%$981.993 | +1601.6%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -24.7%61.1 yrs | +32.9%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +622.6%44.8 | -86.2%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -61.3%3.5% | +158.1%9.0% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Santiago |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | CLP ($) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Chile, with 24.1M residents compared to 20.2M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 14.3 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. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 17.0 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 20.1 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 623% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Chile is located in South America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Chile is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Chile is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Chile's $330.3B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Chile is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 17.0x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 3.3x more densely populated than Chile (88 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 20.1 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (81.2 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
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile 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 Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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 Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 17.0x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. 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 Chile by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. Burkina Faso is 1.2 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Chile?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Chile's economy is 14.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.1 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Chile?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Chile is 2.8 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Chile?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Chile?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Burkina Faso or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 coun...
Is Burkina Faso or Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better v...
Is Burkina Faso or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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, cl...
Is Burkina Faso or Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 17.0x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Burkina Faso or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...