Burkina Faso vs Brazil
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 8.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 94.5 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 31.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 14.8 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoBrazil| Population | -88.7%24.1M | +786.6%213.4M |
| Area | -96.8%272,967 km² | +3019.7%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -98.9%$23.1B | +9352.3%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.5%$981.993 | +950.0%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.5%61.1 yrs | +24.2%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +258.4%44.8 | -72.1%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.8%3.5% | +71.7%6.0% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Brasília |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Portuguese |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 8.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 213.4M residents compared to 24.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 94.5 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 10.5 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 14.8 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 258% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 31.2 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Brazil is located in South America. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Brazil is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Brazil is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Brazil is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Brazil's $10,310.549 represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 10.5x 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 Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 3.5x more densely populated than Brazil (88 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 14.8 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 10.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Brazil is 8.9 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Brazil's economy is 94.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.8 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Brazil is 31.2 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Brazil?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Brazil?
Burkina Faso has lower inflation at 4.2%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Burkina Faso's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Burkina Faso or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better...
Is Burkina Faso or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Burkina Faso or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 10.5x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Burkina Faso or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...