Burundi vs Israel
Burundi has a population of 12.3M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 175.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi covers 27,834 km², 1.3 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 19.5 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
BurundiIsrael| Population | +21.7%12.3M | -17.8%10.1M |
| Area | +26.9%27,834 km² | -21.2%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -99.4%$3.1B | +17431.0%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.6%$219.425 | +24590.3%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.5%63.7 yrs | +30.7%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1066.7%31.5 | -91.4%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -73.6%0.9% | +278.4%3.5% |
| Capital | Gitega | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Kirundi | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | BIF (Fr) | ILS (₪) |
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
Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Israel, with 12.3M residents compared to 10.1M. Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burundi is classified as a low-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 175.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 246.9 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burundi is 63.7 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 19.5 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 1067% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Burundi (27,834 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Burundi shares borders with 3 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Burundi spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Burundi lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Burundi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burundi and Israel is in GDP per capita: Burundi's $219.425 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Israel is in GDP: Burundi's $3.1B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Israel is in infant mortality: Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burundi's low-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 246.9x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 1.0x more densely populated than Burundi (462 vs 443 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Burundi's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 19.5 years longer than those of Burundi (83.2 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burundi vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burundi vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burundi vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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.
Burundi vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 246.9x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Burundi vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Burundi'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, Burundi or Israel by population?
Burundi is larger by population, with 12.3M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burundi or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Israel's economy is 175.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burundi and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.5 years. Burundi's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burundi or Israel?
Burundi is larger by land area, covering 27,834 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Burundi is 1.3 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Burundi and Israel?
Burundi recognizes the following languages: French, Kirundi. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burundi or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burundi or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Burundi or Israel cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in ...
Is Burundi or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Burundi or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 246.9x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Burundi or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...