Burkina Faso vs Guatemala
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Burkina Faso is 1.3 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 4.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 2.5 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 11.5 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoGuatemala| Population | +33.1%24.1M | -24.9%18.1M |
| Area | +150.7%272,967 km² | -60.1%108,889 km² |
| GDP | -79.6%$23.1B | +389.5%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -84.0%$981.993 | +526.3%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -15.9%61.1 yrs | +18.8%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +150.3%44.8 | -60.0%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +33.5%3.5% | -25.1%2.6% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Burkina Faso is 1.3 times more populous than Guatemala, with 24.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 4.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 6.3 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 11.5 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 150% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Guatemala is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Guatemala is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 6.3x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.9x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 11.5 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (72.6 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 Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Guatemala 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 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.
Burkina Faso vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Burkina Faso vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Guatemala 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, Burkina Faso or Guatemala by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Burkina Faso is 1.3 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Guatemala?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Guatemala's economy is 4.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.5 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Guatemala?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Burkina Faso is 2.5 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Guatemala?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Guatemala'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 Burkina Faso or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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-fr...
Is Burkina Faso or Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer ...
Is Burkina Faso or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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...
Is Burkina Faso or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Burkina Faso or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...