Burkina FasoGreece
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Burkina Faso is 2.3 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Greece ($256.2B) has a GDP 11.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 2.1 times larger than Greece's 131,990 km². Life expectancy in Greece stands at 81.5 years, 20.4 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Burkina Faso wins
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Greece wins
Metric
Burkina FasoGreece| Population | 24.1M | 10.4M |
| Area | 272,967 km² | 131,990 km² |
| GDP | $23.1B | $256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $981.993 | $24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | 61.1 yrs | 81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.8 | 3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 8.5% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Athens |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Greek |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Burkina Faso is 2.3 times more populous than Greece, with 24.1M residents compared to 10.4M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Greece has grown at -0.52% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Greece economy ($256.2B) is 11.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Greece are on average 25.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 20.4 years. Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 1300% higher than Greece's 3.2.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Greece (131,990 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Greece borders 4 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Greece is located in Europe. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Greece belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Greece is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Greece's $24,626.148 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Greece is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Greece's 3.2 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Greece is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Greece's $256.2B represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Greece's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Greece has a GDP per capita of $24,626.148, which is 25.1x 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 Greece is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.1x more densely populated than Greece (88 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Greece's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Greece live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (81.5 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 Greece's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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 Greece's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burkina Faso vs Greece for Retirees
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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.
Burkina Faso vs Greece Cost of Living
Greece's GDP per capita is 25.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, 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 Greece's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Greece 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, Burkina Faso or Greece by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Burkina Faso is 2.3 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Greece?
Greece has the higher GDP at $256.2B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Greece's economy is 11.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Greece?
Greece has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Greece?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km². Burkina Faso is 2.1 times larger than Greece.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Greece?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Greece?
Greece has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Greece'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 Burkina Faso or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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-friend...
Is Burkina Faso or Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece may offer better...
Is Burkina Faso or Greece better for retirement?
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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, c...
Is Burkina Faso or Greece more expensive to live in?
Greece's GDP per capita is 25.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Burkina Faso or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Greece, 1994 to 2023