Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Ivory Coast stands at 61.9 years, 0.9 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Ivory CoastBurkina Faso| Population | +31.8%31.7M | -24.1%24.1M |
| Area | +18.1%322,463 km² | -15.3%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +276.7%$87.1B | -73.5%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +177.8%$2,727.894 | -64.0%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.4%61.9 yrs | -1.4%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +4.0%46.6 | -3.9%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -33.2%2.3% | +49.7%3.5% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | French |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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
Ivory Coast is 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 31.7M residents compared to 24.1M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 3.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Ivory Coast are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 0.9 years. Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 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 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 4% higher than Burkina Faso's 44.8.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 24% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 2.8x 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 Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.1x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (98 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 Ivory Coast live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burkina Faso's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 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.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, 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 Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast 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, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Ivory Coast's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso?
Ivory Coast has a higher life expectancy at 61.9 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below 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, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Ivory Coast is 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burkina Faso generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.8 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-...
Is Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may of...
Is Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Ivory Coast's life expectancy of 61.9 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 acce...
Is Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for...