SyriaBurkina Faso
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Syria is 1.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 1.5 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 11.0 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Syria wins
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Burkina Faso wins
Metric
SyriaBurkina Faso| Population | 25.6M | 24.1M |
| Area | 185,180 km² | 272,967 km² |
| GDP | — | $23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.1 yrs | 61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 19.0 | 44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 13.6% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Damascus | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | 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
Syria is 1.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 25.6M residents compared to 24.1M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. Burkina Faso's GDP stands at $23.1B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 11.0 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at 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 136% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Burkina Faso is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Burkina Faso is in life expectancy: Syria's 72.1 years compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.6x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (138 vs 88 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Burkina Faso's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Syria live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (72.1 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.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Burkina Faso for Budget Travelers
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Syria vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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.
Syria vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Syria or Burkina Faso by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Syria is 1.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Burkina Faso?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and Burkina Faso?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Syria's life expectancy is at 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, Syria or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Burkina Faso is 1.5 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Burkina Faso?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Burkina Faso?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%.
Is Syria or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Syria or Burkina Faso cheaper to visit?
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso may offer bett...
Is Syria or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 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, cl...
Is Syria or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...
Population Growth
Syria, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023