Burkina Faso vs Dominican Republic
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Burkina Faso is 2.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 5.6 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 12.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoDominican Republic| Population | +123.5%24.1M | -55.3%10.8M |
| Area | +460.8%272,967 km² | -82.2%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -81.4%$23.1B | +437.4%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -91.0%$981.993 | +1007.5%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -17.1%61.1 yrs | +20.7%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +57.7%44.8 | -36.6%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -31.7%3.5% | +46.4%5.1% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | DOP ($) |
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 2.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 24.1M residents compared to 10.8M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 5.4 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. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 11.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 12.6 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 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 58% higher than Dominican Republic's 28.4.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 5.6 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 11.1x 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 Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 2.5x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (221 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 Dominican Republic live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 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 Dominican Republic's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, 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 Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Burkina Faso is 2.2 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Dominican Republic's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Burkina Faso is 5.6 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Dominican Republic'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 Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Dominican Republic generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.4 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 ...
Is Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic. However, Dominican R...
Is Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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, healthca...
Is Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, co...
Is Burkina Faso or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it ...