Burkina Faso vs Belgium
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Burkina Faso is 2.0 times more populous than Belgium. Economically, Belgium ($671.4B) has a GDP 29.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 8.9 times larger than Belgium's 30,528 km². Life expectancy in Belgium stands at 82.4 years, 21.3 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoBelgium| Population | +103.5%24.1M | -50.9%11.8M |
| Area | +794.2%272,967 km² | -88.8%30,528 km² |
| GDP | -96.6%$23.1B | +2803.3%$671.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.3%$981.993 | +5665.3%$56,614.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -25.9%61.1 yrs | +34.9%82.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1393.3%44.8 | -93.3%3.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.1%3.5% | +69.9%5.9% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Brussels |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | German, French, Dutch |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Belgium, with 24.1M residents compared to 11.8M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Belgium is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Belgium averages 387 people per km² (dense). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Belgium.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Belgium is classified as a high-income economy. The Belgium economy ($671.4B) is 29.0 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. Belgium's GDP per capita of $56,614.568 is 102% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Belgium are on average 57.7 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 82.4 years in Belgium, a gap of 21.3 years. Belgium (82.4 years) is 10.4 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 1393% higher than Belgium's 3.0.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 8.9 times larger by land area than Belgium (30,528 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Belgium borders 4 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Belgium's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Belgium is located in Europe. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Belgium belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Belgium is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Belgium's $56,614.568 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Belgium is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Belgium's $671.4B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Belgium is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Belgium's 3.0 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Belgium's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Belgium has a GDP per capita of $56,614.568, which is 57.7x 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 Belgium is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Belgium is 4.4x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (387 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 Belgium live an average of 21.3 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (82.4 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 Belgium's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Belgium for Families
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 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 Belgium's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium 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 Belgium for Retirees
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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 Belgium Cost of Living
Belgium's GDP per capita is 57.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, 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 Belgium's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Belgium for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Belgium 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 Belgium by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Belgium's 11.8M. Burkina Faso is 2.0 times more populous than Belgium.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Belgium?
Belgium has the higher GDP at $671.4B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Belgium's economy is 29.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Belgium?
Belgium has a higher life expectancy at 82.4 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.3 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Belgium's is 10.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Belgium?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Belgium's 30,528 km². Burkina Faso is 8.9 times larger than Belgium.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Belgium?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Belgium recognizes: German, French, Dutch. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Belgium?
Belgium has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Belgium'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 Burkina Faso or Belgium better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Belgium generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.0 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-frien...
Is Burkina Faso or Belgium 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 Belgium. However, Belgium may offer bett...
Is Burkina Faso or Belgium better for retirement?
Belgium's life expectancy of 82.4 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 Belgium more expensive to live in?
Belgium's GDP per capita is 57.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belgium, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is Burkina Faso or Belgium better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Belgium, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Belgium covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...