Tanzania vs Burkina Faso
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Tanzania is 2.8 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 3.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 3.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 5.9 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
TanzaniaBurkina Faso| Population | +183.1%68.2M | -64.7%24.1M |
| Area | +247.0%947,303 km² | -71.2%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +241.0%$78.8B | -70.7%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +20.8%$1,186.717 | -17.3%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.7%67.0 yrs | -8.8%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -33.3%29.9 | +49.8%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -54.8%1.6% | +121.2%3.5% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 2.8 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 68.2M residents compared to 24.1M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 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 Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 3.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Tanzania are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 5.9 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below 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 50% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Burkina Faso is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Burkina Faso is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tanzania has a GDP per capita of $1,186.717, which is 1.2x 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 Tanzania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.2x more densely populated than Tanzania (88 vs 72 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tanzania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Tanzania live an average of 5.9 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (67.0 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, 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 Tanzania's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania 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, Tanzania or Burkina Faso by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Tanzania is 2.8 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Burkina Faso?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Tanzania's economy is 3.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Burkina Faso?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.9 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 years below 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, Tanzania or Burkina Faso?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Tanzania is 3.5 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Burkina Faso?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Burkina Faso?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Tanzania's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer be...
Is Tanzania or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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 Tanzania or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Tanzania or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...