Kenya vs Burkina Faso
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Kenya is 2.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 5.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 2.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Kenya stands at 63.6 years, 2.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
KenyaBurkina Faso| Population | +121.6%53.3M | -54.9%24.1M |
| Area | +112.6%580,367 km² | -53.0%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +420.4%$120.3B | -80.8%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +117.2%$2,132.435 | -53.9%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%63.6 yrs | -4.0%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -22.5%34.7 | +29.1%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +56.7%5.4% | -36.2%3.5% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French |
| Currencies | KES (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
Kenya is 2.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 53.3M residents compared to 24.1M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 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 Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 5.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near 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 Kenya are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 2.6 years. Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 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 29% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Kenya 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 Kenya and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Burkina Faso is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 2.2x 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 Kenya is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 1.0x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (92 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 Kenya live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (63.6 vs 61.1 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
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to Kenya's 4.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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.
Kenya vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, 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 Kenya's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya 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, Kenya or Burkina Faso by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Kenya is 2.2 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Burkina Faso?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Kenya's economy is 5.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Burkina Faso?
Kenya has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 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, Kenya or Burkina Faso?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Kenya is 2.1 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Burkina Faso?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better v...
Is Kenya or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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 Kenya or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Kenya or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...