Burkina Faso vs Sweden
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Burkina Faso is 2.3 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 26.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 22.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoSweden| Population | +127.0%24.1M | -55.9%10.6M |
| Area | -39.4%272,967 km² | +65.0%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -96.2%$23.1B | +2510.7%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.3%$981.993 | +5716.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -26.7%61.1 yrs | +36.4%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2140.0%44.8 | -95.5%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -60.0%3.5% | +150.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Swedish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | SEK (kr) |
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 2.3 times more populous than Sweden, with 24.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 26.1 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 58.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 22.2 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 2140% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Sweden is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Sweden is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 58.2x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 3.7x more densely populated than Sweden (88 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 22.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 58.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Burkina Faso is 2.3 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Sweden's economy is 26.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.2 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Sweden is 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Sweden?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 cou...
Is Burkina Faso or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better...
Is Burkina Faso or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 58.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Burkina Faso or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...