Saudi Arabia vs Burkina Faso
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Saudi Arabia is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 53.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 7.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 17.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Saudi ArabiaBurkina Faso| Population | +46.7%35.3M | -31.8%24.1M |
| Area | +687.5%2,149,690 km² | -87.3%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +5261.4%$1.24T | -98.1%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +3476.6%$35,121.663 | -97.2%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.9%78.7 yrs | -22.4%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -89.1%4.9 | +814.3%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -12.6%3.0% | +14.5%3.5% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | 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
Saudi Arabia is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 35.3M residents compared to 24.1M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), 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 Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 53.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Saudi Arabia are on average 35.8 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 17.6 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 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 814% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 35.8x 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 Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 5.4x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (88 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 17.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (78.7 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 Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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 Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 35.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia 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, Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Saudi Arabia is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 53.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.6 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above 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, Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Saudi Arabia is 7.9 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Saudi Arabia'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 Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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. Bo...
Is Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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 acc...
Is Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 35.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living...
Is Saudi Arabia or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...