United States vs Burkina Faso
United States has a population of 340.1M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. United States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 1243.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 34.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 17.3 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
United StatesBurkina Faso| Population | +1313.0%340.1M | -92.9%24.1M |
| Area | +3389.5%9,525,067 km² | -97.1%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +124229.9%$28.75T | -99.9%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +8508.4%$84,534.041 | -98.8%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.3%78.4 yrs | -22.1%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.7%5.5 | +714.5%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +20.7%4.2% | -17.2%3.5% |
| Capital | Washington, D.C. | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | English | French |
| Currencies | USD ($) | 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 States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 340.1M residents compared to 24.1M. United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United States is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 1243.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 States are on average 86.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United States is 78.4 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 17.3 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 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 715% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 34.9 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). United States shares borders with 2 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. United States spans 11 timezones, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. United States lies in North America, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. United States is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United States and Burkina Faso is in GDP: United States's $28.75T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: United States's $84,534.041 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Burkina Faso is in land area: United States's 9,525,067 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United States's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 86.1x 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 States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 2.5x more densely populated than United States (88 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 17.3 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (78.4 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 States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
United States vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 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 United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
United States 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 States. However, United States 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 States vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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 States vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 86.1x 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 States, 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 States's smaller cities.
United States vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United States and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 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 States or Burkina Faso by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. United States is 14.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, United States or Burkina Faso?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. United States's economy is 1243.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between United States and Burkina Faso?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.3 years. United States's life expectancy is 6.4 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 States or Burkina Faso?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². United States is 34.9 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in United States and Burkina Faso?
United States 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 States or Burkina Faso?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. United States'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 United States or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 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. B...
Is United States 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 States. However, United States ma...
Is United States or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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 ac...
Is United States or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 86.1x 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 States, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of livi...
Is United States or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United States and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 timezones while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attracti...