Turkey vs Burkina Faso
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Turkey is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 58.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 2.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 16.1 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
TurkeyBurkina Faso| Population | +255.9%85.7M | -71.9%24.1M |
| Area | +187.1%783,562 km² | -65.2%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +5777.4%$1.36T | -98.3%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1518.4%$15,892.716 | -93.8%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +26.3%77.2 yrs | -20.8%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -79.7%9.1 | +392.3%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +145.0%8.5% | -59.2%3.5% |
| Capital | Ankara | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Turkish | French |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 85.7M residents compared to 24.1M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 58.8 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above 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 Turkey are on average 16.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 16.1 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 392% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Turkey lies in Europe and Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 16.2x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 1.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (109 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 Turkey live an average of 16.1 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (77.2 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 Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or Burkina Faso by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Turkey is 3.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Burkina Faso?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Turkey's economy is 58.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Burkina Faso?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.1 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Burkina Faso?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Turkey is 2.9 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Burkina Faso?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better...
Is Turkey or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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 Turkey or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Turkey or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...