Iran vs Burkina Faso
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Iran is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 20.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 6.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 16.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
IranBurkina Faso| Population | +257.1%86.0M | -72.0%24.1M |
| Area | +503.8%1,648,195 km² | -83.4%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1955.2%$475.3B | -95.1%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +428.5%$5,190.17 | -81.1%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +27.1%77.7 yrs | -21.3%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -76.1%10.7 | +318.7%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +138.7%8.3% | -58.1%3.5% |
| Capital | Tehran | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | French |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 86.0M residents compared to 24.1M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 20.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Iran are on average 5.3 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 16.6 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above 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 319% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 6.0 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Burkina Faso is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 5.3x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.7x more densely populated than Iran (88 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 16.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (77.7 vs 61.1 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
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Burkina Faso by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Iran is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Burkina Faso?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Iran's economy is 20.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Burkina Faso?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.6 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Iran or Burkina Faso?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Iran is 6.0 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Burkina Faso?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 coun...
Is Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better val...
Is Iran or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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, cli...
Is Iran or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Iran or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...