Burkina Faso vs Portugal
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.2 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 13.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 3.0 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 21.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoPortugal| Population | +123.9%24.1M | -55.3%10.7M |
| Area | +196.4%272,967 km² | -66.3%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -92.6%$23.1B | +1254.7%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.6%$981.993 | +2882.9%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -25.8%61.1 yrs | +34.7%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1623.1%44.8 | -94.2%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.6%3.5% | +77.3%6.2% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Portuguese |
| 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 2.2 times more populous than Portugal, with 24.1M residents compared to 10.7M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 13.5 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 29.8 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 21.2 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 1623% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Portugal is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Portugal is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 29.8x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal 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 Portugal live an average of 21.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (82.3 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 29.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.2 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Portugal's economy is 13.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 21.2 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Portugal?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Burkina Faso is 3.0 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Portugal?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Portugal'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 Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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-frie...
Is Burkina Faso or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer be...
Is Burkina Faso or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 29.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Burkina Faso or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...