Burkina Faso vs Cuba
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.5 times more populous than Cuba. Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 2.5 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 17.0 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoCuba| Population | +146.9%24.1M | -59.5%9.7M |
| Area | +148.4%272,967 km² | -59.7%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $23.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $981.993 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -21.8%61.1 yrs | +27.8%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +578.8%44.8 | -85.3%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +99.1%3.5% | -49.8%1.7% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Burkina Faso is 2.5 times more populous than Cuba, with 24.1M residents compared to 9.7M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Burkina Faso's GDP stands at $23.1B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 17.0 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 579% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cuba is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cuba is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Cuba is in population: Burkina Faso's 24.1M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 1.0x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (89 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 Cuba live an average of 17.0 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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.
Burkina Faso vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.5 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.0 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Cuba?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Burkina Faso is 2.5 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Cuba?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%.
Is Burkina Faso or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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...
Is Burkina Faso or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better val...
Is Burkina Faso or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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, cli...
Is Burkina Faso or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...