Burkina Faso vs Japan
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 5.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 174.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 1.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 22.9 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoJapan| Population | -80.5%24.1M | +411.9%123.2M |
| Area | -27.8%272,967 km² | +38.5%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.4%$23.1B | +17316.8%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.0%$981.993 | +3208.3%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -27.3%61.1 yrs | +37.6%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2388.9%44.8 | -96.0%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +41.9%3.5% | -29.5%2.5% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Japanese |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 5.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 123.2M residents compared to 24.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 174.2 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. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 33.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 22.9 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2389% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Japan is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Japan is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Japan is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 33.1x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 3.7x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (326 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 Japan live an average of 22.9 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (84.0 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 Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan 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 Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Japan 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 Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Japan is 5.1 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Japan's economy is 174.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.9 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Japan is 1.4 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Japan?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Japan'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 Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 coun...
Is Burkina Faso or Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better v...
Is Burkina Faso or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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, cl...
Is Burkina Faso or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 33.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Burkina Faso or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...