Burundi vs Japan
Burundi has a population of 12.3M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 10.0 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1306.6 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 13.6 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 20.4 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
BurundiJapan| Population | -90.0%12.3M | +899.0%123.2M |
| Area | -92.6%27,834 km² | +1257.8%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.9%$3.1B | +130562.9%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.3%$219.425 | +14705.6%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -24.3%63.7 yrs | +32.0%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1650.0%31.5 | -94.3%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -62.4%0.9% | +165.8%2.5% |
| Capital | Gitega | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Kirundi | Japanese |
| Currencies | BIF (Fr) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 10.0 times more populous than Burundi, with 123.2M residents compared to 12.3M. Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Burundi is classified as a low-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1306.6 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 148.1 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burundi is 63.7 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 20.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 1650% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 13.6 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Burundi shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Burundi spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Burundi lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Burundi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burundi and Japan is in GDP: Burundi's $3.1B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Japan is in GDP per capita: Burundi's $219.425 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Japan is in infant mortality: Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burundi's low-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 148.1x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 1.4x more densely populated than Japan (443 vs 326 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Japan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Burundi (84.0 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burundi vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burundi vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burundi vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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.
Burundi vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 148.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Burundi vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Burundi'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, Burundi or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Japan is 10.0 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burundi or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Japan's economy is 1306.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burundi and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Burundi's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burundi or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Japan is 13.6 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Burundi and Japan?
Burundi recognizes the following languages: French, Kirundi. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burundi or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burundi or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Burundi or Japan cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in sp...
Is Burundi or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Burundi or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 148.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Burundi or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...