Cameroon vs Burkina Faso
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Cameroon is 1.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.7 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 2.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
CameroonBurkina Faso| Population | +22.3%29.4M | -18.2%24.1M |
| Area | +74.2%475,442 km² | -42.6%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +130.5%$53.3B | -56.6%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +86.4%$1,830.008 | -46.3%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.3%63.7 yrs | -4.1%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -8.0%41.2 | +8.7%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3.6%3.6% | -3.5%3.5% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | French |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Cameroon is 1.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 29.4M residents compared to 24.1M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 2.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 2.6 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 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 9% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burkina Faso is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 1.9x 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 Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.4x more densely populated than Cameroon (88 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (63.7 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 Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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 Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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.
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, 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 Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso 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, Cameroon or Burkina Faso by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Cameroon is 1.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Burkina Faso?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Cameroon's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Burkina Faso?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso's is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cameroon or Burkina Faso?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Cameroon is 1.7 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Burkina Faso?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cameroon or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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 ...
Is Cameroon or Burkina Faso 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer be...
Is Cameroon or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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,...
Is Cameroon or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Cameroon or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...