Egypt vs Burkina Faso
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Egypt is 4.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 16.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 3.7 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 10.5 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
EgyptBurkina Faso| Population | +345.7%107.3M | -77.6%24.1M |
| Area | +267.2%1,002,450 km² | -72.8%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1582.4%$389.1B | -94.1%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +240.0%$3,338.474 | -70.6%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.3%71.6 yrs | -14.7%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -64.1%16.1 | +178.3%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +95.0%6.8% | -48.7%3.5% |
| Capital | Cairo | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | 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
Egypt is 4.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 107.3M residents compared to 24.1M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 16.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above 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 Egypt are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 10.5 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 178% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Burkina Faso is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Burkina Faso is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 3.4x 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 Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 1.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (107 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 Egypt live an average of 10.5 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (71.6 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 Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.
Egypt vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, 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 Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt 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, Egypt or Burkina Faso by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Egypt is 4.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Burkina Faso?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Egypt's economy is 16.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Burkina Faso?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.5 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or Burkina Faso?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Egypt is 3.7 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Burkina Faso?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 cou...
Is Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better v...
Is Egypt or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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, cl...
Is Egypt or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Egypt or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...