South Africa vs Burkina Faso
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. South Africa is 2.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 17.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 4.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in South Africa stands at 66.1 years, 5.0 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
South AfricaBurkina Faso| Population | +162.1%63.1M | -61.9%24.1M |
| Area | +347.3%1,221,037 km² | -77.6%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1634.7%$401.1B | -94.2%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +538.2%$6,267.187 | -84.3%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.3%66.1 yrs | -7.6%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -45.5%24.4 | +83.6%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +831.6%32.4% | -89.3%3.5% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | French |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 2.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 63.1M residents compared to 24.1M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 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 South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 17.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above 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 South Africa are on average 6.4 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 5.0 years. South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 84% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 4.5 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Burkina Faso is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Burkina Faso is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 6.4x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.7x more densely populated than South Africa (88 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Africa live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (66.1 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 South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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.
South Africa vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Burkina Faso by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. South Africa is 2.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Burkina Faso?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. South Africa's economy is 17.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Burkina Faso?
South Africa has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 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, South Africa or Burkina Faso?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². South Africa is 4.5 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Burkina Faso?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may ...
Is South Africa or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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 South Africa or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 6.4x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is South Africa or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...