Burkina Faso vs Haiti
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Burkina Faso is 2.0 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Haiti ($25.2B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 9.8 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 3.8 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoHaiti| Population | +102.8%24.1M | -50.7%11.9M |
| Area | +883.7%272,967 km² | -89.8%27,750 km² |
| GDP | -8.3%$23.1B | +9.1%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.2%$981.993 | +118.2%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.9%61.1 yrs | +6.3%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +11.2%44.8 | -10.0%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -76.7%3.5% | +329.8%14.9% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | HTG (G) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Haiti, with 24.1M residents compared to 11.9M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Haiti.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Haiti economy ($25.2B) is 1.1 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. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 3.8 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 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 11% higher than Haiti's 40.3.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 9.8 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Haiti is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Haiti is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Haiti's $2,142.623 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Haiti is in population: Burkina Faso's 24.1M compared to Haiti's 11.9M represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 2.2x 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 Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Haiti is 4.8x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (428 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 Haiti live an average of 3.8 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (64.9 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 Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 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 Haiti's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Haiti 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 Haiti. However, Haiti 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 Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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 Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, 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 Haiti's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Haiti 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 Haiti by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Burkina Faso is 2.0 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Haiti?
Haiti has the higher GDP at $25.2B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Haiti's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.8 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Haiti?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Burkina Faso is 9.8 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Haiti?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Haiti?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Haiti's 26.9%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Haiti's rate is severely elevated at 26.9%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burkina Faso or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 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 Haiti 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 Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better v...
Is Burkina Faso or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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, cl...
Is Burkina Faso or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Burkina Faso or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...