ItalyBurkina Faso
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Italy is 2.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 103.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 1.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 22.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Metric
ItalyBurkina Faso| Population | 58.9M | 24.1M |
| Area | 301,336 km² | 272,967 km² |
| GDP | $2.38T | $23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $40,385.341 | $981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.7 yrs | 61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.4% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Rome | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | French |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | XOF (Fr) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Italy is 2.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 58.9M residents compared to 24.1M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 103.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Italy are on average 41.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 22.6 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 1848% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 41.1x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 2.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (196 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 Italy live an average of 22.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 41.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy 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, Italy or Burkina Faso by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Italy is 2.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Burkina Faso?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Italy's economy is 103.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Burkina Faso?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.6 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Burkina Faso?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Italy is 1.1 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Burkina Faso?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Burkina Faso?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Italy or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better v...
Is Italy or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, cl...
Is Italy or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 41.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Italy or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...
Population Growth
Italy, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023