Burkina FasoGermany
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Germany's 83.5M. Germany is 3.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Germany ($4.69T) has a GDP 202.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Germany covers 357,114 km², 1.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Germany stands at 80.5 years, 19.4 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Burkina Faso wins
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Metric
Burkina FasoGermany| Population | 24.1M | 83.5M |
| Area | 272,967 km² | 357,114 km² |
| GDP | $23.1B | $4.69T |
| GDP Per Capita | $981.993 | $56,103.732 |
| Life Expectancy | 61.1 yrs | 80.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.8 | 3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 3.7% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Berlin |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | German |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | EUR (€) |
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
Germany is 3.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 83.5M residents compared to 24.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Germany is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Germany averages 234 people per km² (dense). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Germany has grown at 0.32% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Germany is classified as a high-income economy. The Germany economy ($4.69T) is 202.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Germany's GDP per capita of $56,103.732 is 100% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Germany are on average 57.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 80.5 years in Germany, a gap of 19.4 years. Germany (80.5 years) is 8.5 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 1345% higher than Germany's 3.1.
Geographic Comparison
Germany (357,114 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Germany borders 9 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Germany's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Germany is located in Europe. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Germany belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Germany is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Germany's $4.69T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Germany is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Germany's $56,103.732 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Germany is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Germany's 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Germany's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Germany has a GDP per capita of $56,103.732, which is 57.1x 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 Germany is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Germany is 2.7x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (234 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 Germany live an average of 19.4 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (80.5 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 Germany's -0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Germany's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Germany for Families
For family travel, Germany generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 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 Germany's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Germany 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 Germany. However, Germany may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burkina Faso vs Germany for Retirees
Germany's life expectancy of 80.5 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.
Burkina Faso vs Germany Cost of Living
Germany's GDP per capita is 57.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Germany, 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 Germany's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Germany for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Germany, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Germany 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, Burkina Faso or Germany by population?
Germany is larger by population, with 83.5M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Germany is 3.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Germany?
Germany has the higher GDP at $4.69T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Germany's economy is 202.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Germany?
Germany has a higher life expectancy at 80.5 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.4 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Germany's is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Germany?
Germany is larger by land area, covering 357,114 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Germany is 1.3 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Germany?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Germany recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Germany?
Germany has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Germany'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 Burkina Faso or Germany better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Germany generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 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 co...
Is Burkina Faso or Germany 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 Germany. However, Germany may offer bett...
Is Burkina Faso or Germany better for retirement?
Germany's life expectancy of 80.5 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, ...
Is Burkina Faso or Germany more expensive to live in?
Germany's GDP per capita is 57.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Germany, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is Burkina Faso or Germany better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Germany, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Germany covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Germany, 1994 to 2023