United KingdomBurkina Faso
United Kingdom has a population of 69.3M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. United Kingdom is 2.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, United Kingdom ($3.69T) has a GDP 159.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 1.1 times larger than United Kingdom's 244,376 km². Life expectancy in United Kingdom stands at 81.2 years, 20.1 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Burkina Faso wins
Metric
United KingdomBurkina Faso| Population | 69.3M | 24.1M |
| Area | 244,376 km² | 272,967 km² |
| GDP | $3.69T | $23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $53,246.368 | $981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | 81.2 yrs | 61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.0 | 44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.7% | 3.5% |
| Capital | London | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | English | French |
| Currencies | GBP (£) | 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
United Kingdom is 2.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 69.3M residents compared to 24.1M. United Kingdom is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, United Kingdom averages 284 people per km² (dense), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While United Kingdom has grown at 0.66% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United Kingdom is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The United Kingdom economy ($3.69T) is 159.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). United Kingdom's GDP per capita of $53,246.368 is 90% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 United Kingdom are on average 54.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United Kingdom is 81.2 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 20.1 years. United Kingdom (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 1020% higher than United Kingdom's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than United Kingdom (244,376 km²). United Kingdom shares borders with 1 country, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. United Kingdom lies in Europe, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. United Kingdom is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso is in GDP: United Kingdom's $3.69T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: United Kingdom's $53,246.368 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: United Kingdom's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Kingdom's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United Kingdom has a GDP per capita of $53,246.368, which is 54.2x 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 United Kingdom is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United Kingdom is 3.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (284 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 United Kingdom live an average of 20.1 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (81.2 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 United Kingdom's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
United Kingdom vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 United Kingdom's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom. However, United Kingdom may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
United Kingdom vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
United Kingdom vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
United Kingdom's GDP per capita is 54.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom's smaller cities.
United Kingdom vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones 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, United Kingdom or Burkina Faso by population?
United Kingdom is larger by population, with 69.3M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. United Kingdom is 2.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, United Kingdom or Burkina Faso?
United Kingdom has the higher GDP at $3.69T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. United Kingdom's economy is 159.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso?
United Kingdom has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.1 years. United Kingdom's life expectancy is 9.2 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, United Kingdom or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to United Kingdom's 244,376 km². Burkina Faso is 1.1 times larger than United Kingdom.
What languages are spoken in United Kingdom and Burkina Faso?
United Kingdom recognizes the following official language: English. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, United Kingdom or Burkina Faso?
United Kingdom has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. United Kingdom's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is United Kingdom or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Kingdom generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 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 famil...
Is United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom. However, United Kingdom ...
Is United Kingdom or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
United Kingdom's life expectancy of 81.2 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 a...
Is United Kingdom or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
United Kingdom's GDP per capita is 54.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United Kingdom, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of li...
Is United Kingdom or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United Kingdom and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Kingdom spans 9 timezones while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attract...
Population Growth
United Kingdom, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023