Ethiopia vs Burkina Faso
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Ethiopia is 4.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 6.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 4.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 6.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
EthiopiaBurkina Faso| Population | +363.9%111.7M | -78.4%24.1M |
| Area | +304.6%1,104,300 km² | -75.3%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +547.5%$149.7B | -84.6%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +15.5%$1,133.883 | -13.4%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.2%67.3 yrs | -9.2%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.3%35.7 | +25.5%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -4.4%3.3% | +4.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | French |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 4.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 111.7M residents compared to 24.1M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 6.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below 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 Ethiopia are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 6.2 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 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 44.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burkina Faso's infant mortality is 25% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ethiopia has a GDP per capita of $1,133.883, which is 1.2x 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 Ethiopia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.1x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (101 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 Ethiopia live an average of 6.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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.
Ethiopia vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, 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 Ethiopia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or Burkina Faso by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Ethiopia is 4.6 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Burkina Faso?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Ethiopia's economy is 6.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.2 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or Burkina Faso?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Ethiopia is 4.0 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 ...
Is Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer be...
Is Ethiopia or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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,...
Is Ethiopia or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Ethiopia or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...