Guatemala vs Burundi
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 36.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 3.9 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 9.0 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
GuatemalaBurundi| Population | +46.6%18.1M | -31.8%12.3M |
| Area | +291.2%108,889 km² | -74.4%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +3572.4%$113.2B | -97.3%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2702.8%$6,150.026 | -96.4%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.1%72.6 yrs | -12.3%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -43.2%17.9 | +76.0%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +182.4%2.6% | -64.6%0.9% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Gitega |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | BIF (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
Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Burundi, with 18.1M residents compared to 12.3M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 36.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 28.0 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 9.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 76% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 3.9 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Burundi is located in Africa. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Burundi is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Burundi is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 28.0x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 2.7x more densely populated than Guatemala (443 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 9.0 years longer than those of Burundi (72.6 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 Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Burundi 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Burundi for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs Burundi Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 28.0x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Burundi 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, Guatemala or Burundi by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Burundi?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Guatemala's economy is 36.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Burundi?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.0 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Burundi?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Guatemala is 3.9 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Burundi?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Burundi?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Guatemala or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Guatemala or Burundi 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better val...
Is Guatemala or Burundi better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, cli...
Is Guatemala or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 28.0x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Guatemala or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...