RussiaBurkina Faso
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Russia is 6.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 94.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 62.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 12.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Burkina Faso wins
Metric
RussiaBurkina Faso| Population | 146.0M | 24.1M |
| Area | 17,098,246 km² | 272,967 km² |
| GDP | $2.17T | $23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,889.019 | $981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | 73.3 yrs | 61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.7 | 44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.1% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Russian | French |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | XOF (Fr) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Russia is 6.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 146.0M residents compared to 24.1M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 94.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Russia are on average 15.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 12.2 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 1111% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 62.6 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Russia lies in Europe and Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Burkina Faso is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Russia's $14,889.019 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 15.2x 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 Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 10.3x more densely populated than Russia (88 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 12.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (73.3 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 Russia's 4.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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.
Russia vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 15.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones 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, Russia or Burkina Faso by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Russia is 6.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Burkina Faso?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Russia's economy is 94.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Burkina Faso?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.2 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above 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, Russia or Burkina Faso?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Russia is 62.6 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Burkina Faso?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Russia or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better...
Is Russia or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 15.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Russia or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...
Population Growth
Russia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023