Burundi vs Sweden
Burundi has a population of 12.3M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 195.9 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 16.2 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 19.7 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
BurundiSweden| Population | +16.3%12.3M | -14.0%10.6M |
| Area | -93.8%27,834 km² | +1517.8%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -99.5%$3.1B | +19485.7%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.6%$219.425 | +25930.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.6%63.7 yrs | +30.9%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1475.0%31.5 | -93.7%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -89.4%0.9% | +843.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Gitega | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Kirundi | Swedish |
| Currencies | BIF (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
Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden, with 12.3M residents compared to 10.6M. Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Burundi is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 195.9 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. 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 260.3 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burundi is 63.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 19.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 1475% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 16.2 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Burundi shares borders with 3 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Burundi spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Burundi lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Burundi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burundi and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Burundi's $219.425 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Sweden is in GDP: Burundi's $3.1B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Sweden is in land area: Burundi's 27,834 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burundi'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 260.3x that of Burundi ($219.425). 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
Burundi is 18.8x more densely populated than Sweden (443 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 19.7 years longer than those of Burundi (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burundi vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burundi vs Sweden 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 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.
Burundi vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 260.3x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Burundi vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Burundi is larger by population, with 12.3M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Burundi is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burundi or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Sweden's economy is 195.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burundi and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.7 years. Burundi's life expectancy is 8.3 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, Burundi or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Sweden is 16.2 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Burundi and Sweden?
Burundi recognizes the following languages: French, Kirundi. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burundi or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Sweden'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 Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 countrie...
Is Burundi or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in ...
Is Burundi or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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, climat...
Is Burundi or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 260.3x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Burundi or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...