Burkina Faso vs South Sudan
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Burkina Faso is 1.5 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 2.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Burkina Faso stands at 61.1 years, 3.5 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
Burkina FasoSouth Sudan| Population | +52.5%24.1M | -34.4%15.8M |
| Area | -56.0%272,967 km² | +127.0%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $23.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $981.993 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +6.0%61.1 yrs | -5.7%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -38.3%44.8 | +62.1%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | — |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | SSP (£) |
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 1.5 times more populous than South Sudan, with 24.1M residents compared to 15.8M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Burkina Faso's GDP stands at $23.1B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 3.5 years. Burkina Faso (61.1 years) is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 62% higher than Burkina Faso's 44.8.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Burkina Faso and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and South Sudan is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to South Sudan's 619,745 km² represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 38% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and South Sudan is in population: Burkina Faso's 24.1M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 3.5x more densely populated than South Sudan (88 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Burkina Faso live an average of 3.5 years longer than those of South Sudan (61.1 vs 57.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burkina Faso's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Retirees
Burkina Faso's life expectancy of 61.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 South Sudan by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Burkina Faso is 1.5 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and South Sudan?
Burkina Faso has a higher life expectancy at 61.1 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.5 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan's is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². South Sudan is 2.3 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and South Sudan?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or South Sudan?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to South Sudan's 91.4%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Sudan's rate is severely elevated at 91.4%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burkina Faso or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-...
Is Burkina Faso or South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan may of...
Is Burkina Faso or South Sudan better for retirement?
Burkina Faso's life expectancy of 61.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Burkina Faso or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both count...