Burkina Faso vs Benin
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Burkina Faso is 1.8 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Burkina Faso ($23.1B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 2.4 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Burkina Faso stands at 61.1 years, 0.3 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
Burkina FasoBenin| Population | +82.0%24.1M | -45.1%13.2M |
| Area | +142.4%272,967 km² | -58.7%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +7.6%$23.1B | -7.1%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -33.9%$981.993 | +51.3%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.5%61.1 yrs | -0.5%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -3.4%44.8 | +3.6%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +118.8%3.5% | -54.3%1.6% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | French |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Burkina Faso is 1.8 times more populous than Benin, with 24.1M residents compared to 13.2M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Burkina Faso economy ($23.1B) is 1.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Benin are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 0.3 years. Burkina Faso (61.1 years) is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 4% higher than Burkina Faso's 44.8.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Burkina Faso and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Benin is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Benin is in population: Burkina Faso's 24.1M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Benin is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Benin has a GDP per capita of $1,485.38, which is 1.5x 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 Benin is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 1.3x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (117 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 Burkina Faso live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Benin (61.1 vs 60.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burkina Faso's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Burkina Faso's life expectancy of 61.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, 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 Benin's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Benin 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 Benin by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Burkina Faso is 1.8 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Benin?
Burkina Faso has the higher GDP at $23.1B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Burkina Faso's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Benin?
Burkina Faso has a higher life expectancy at 61.1 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Benin?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Burkina Faso is 2.4 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Benin?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Benin recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Benin'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 Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Burkina Faso or Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin may offer better v...
Is Burkina Faso or Benin better for retirement?
Burkina Faso's life expectancy of 61.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Burkina Faso or Benin more expensive to live in?
Benin's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Burkina Faso or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...