Burkina Faso vs Zimbabwe
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Burkina Faso is 1.4 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Zimbabwe ($41.5B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², 1.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at 62.8 years, 1.7 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoZimbabwe| Population | +41.0%24.1M | -29.1%17.1M |
| Area | -30.1%272,967 km² | +43.2%390,757 km² |
| GDP | -44.3%$23.1B | +79.6%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -60.7%$981.993 | +154.3%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.7%61.1 yrs | +2.8%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +10.3%44.8 | -9.4%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -62.6%3.5% | +167.3%9.3% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Harare |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | ZWL ($) |
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 Zimbabwe, with 24.1M residents compared to 17.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Zimbabwe economy ($41.5B) is 1.8 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. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zimbabwe are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 1.7 years. Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 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 10% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Both Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Southern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km² represents a 30% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zimbabwe has a GDP per capita of $2,497.203, which is 2.5x 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 Zimbabwe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 2.0x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (88 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Zimbabwe live an average of 1.7 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (62.8 vs 61.1 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.
Economic Momentum
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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 Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Retirees
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 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 Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, 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 Zimbabwe's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Burkina Faso is 1.4 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has the higher GDP at $41.5B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Zimbabwe's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has a higher life expectancy at 62.8 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.7 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is larger by land area, covering 390,757 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Zimbabwe is 1.4 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%.
Is Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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 ...
Is Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer be...
Is Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Zimbabwe's life expectancy of 62.8 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 Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Burkina Faso or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...