Iraq vs Burkina Faso
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Iraq is 1.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 12.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 11.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
IraqBurkina Faso| Population | +91.6%46.1M | -47.8%24.1M |
| Area | +60.6%438,317 km² | -37.7%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1109.3%$279.6B | -91.7%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +518.5%$6,073.61 | -83.8%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.4%72.3 yrs | -15.5%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.6%20.8 | +115.4%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +345.4%15.5% | -77.5%3.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XOF (Fr) |
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
Iraq is 1.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 46.1M residents compared to 24.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 12.1 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 6.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 11.2 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at 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 115% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 6.2x 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 Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (105 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 Iraq live an average of 11.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (72.3 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 Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Burkina Faso 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iraq vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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.
Iraq vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, 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 Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso 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, Iraq or Burkina Faso by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Iraq is 1.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Burkina Faso?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Iraq's economy is 12.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Burkina Faso?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso's is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Burkina Faso?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Iraq is 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Burkina Faso?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Burkina Faso?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Iraq'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 Iraq or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 coun...
Is Iraq or Burkina Faso 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better val...
Is Iraq or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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, cli...
Is Iraq or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Iraq or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...