Cameroon vs Burundi
Cameroon has a population of 29.4M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Cameroon is 2.4 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 17.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 17.1 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 0.0 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
CameroonBurundi| Population | +138.7%29.4M | -58.1%12.3M |
| Area | +1608.1%475,442 km² | -94.1%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +1629.0%$53.3B | -94.2%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +734.0%$1,830.008 | -88.0%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.1%63.7 yrs | -0.1%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +30.8%41.2 | -23.5%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +290.7%3.6% | -74.4%0.9% |
| Capital | Yaoundé | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, French | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | 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
Cameroon is 2.4 times more populous than Burundi, with 29.4M residents compared to 12.3M. Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 17.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Cameroon are on average 8.3 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cameroon is 63.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 0.0 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 31% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 17.1 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Cameroon shares borders with 6 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Cameroon spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both Cameroon and Burundi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burundi is in GDP: Cameroon's $53.3B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burundi is in land area: Cameroon's 475,442 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cameroon and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Cameroon's $1,830.008 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy and Burundi'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 8.3x that of Burundi ($219.425). 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
Burundi is 7.2x more densely populated than Cameroon (443 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 0.0 years longer than those of Burundi (63.7 vs 63.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. The two countries are essentially tied on this metric.
Economic Momentum
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Cameroon vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cameroon 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 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 Burundi for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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.
Cameroon vs Burundi Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 8.3x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, 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 Cameroon's smaller cities.
Cameroon vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon 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, Cameroon or Burundi by population?
Cameroon is larger by population, with 29.4M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Cameroon is 2.4 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cameroon or Burundi?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Cameroon's economy is 17.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cameroon and Burundi?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.0 years. Cameroon's life expectancy is 8.3 years below 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, Cameroon or Burundi?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Cameroon is 17.1 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Cameroon and Burundi?
Cameroon recognizes the following languages: English, French. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cameroon or Burundi?
Cameroon has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Cameroon'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 Cameroon or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better value...
Is Cameroon or Burundi better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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, clim...
Is Cameroon or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 8.3x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Cameroon or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cameroon and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cameroon spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...