Burundi vs Papua New Guinea
Burundi has a population of 12.3M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Papua New Guinea ($31.8B) has a GDP 10.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 16.6 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 2.5 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
BurundiPapua New Guinea| Population | +4.7%12.3M | -4.5%11.8M |
| Area | -94.0%27,834 km² | +1562.9%462,840 km² |
| GDP | -90.3%$3.1B | +931.7%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.7%$219.425 | +1270.3%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.8%63.7 yrs | +3.9%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -1.6%31.5 | +1.6%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -64.1%0.9% | +178.9%2.6% |
| Capital | Gitega | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | French, Kirundi | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | BIF (Fr) | PGK (K) |
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
Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 12.3M residents compared to 11.8M. Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burundi is classified as a low-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Papua New Guinea economy ($31.8B) is 10.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 13.7 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burundi is 63.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 2.5 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 2% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 16.6 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Burundi shares borders with 3 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Burundi spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Burundi lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Burundi is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burundi and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Burundi's 27,834 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Burundi's $219.425 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Burundi and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Burundi's $3.1B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burundi's low-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 13.7x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 17.4x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (443 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Papua New Guinea live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Burundi (66.1 vs 63.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burundi vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burundi vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Burundi vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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.
Burundi vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 13.7x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Burundi vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Burundi'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, Burundi or Papua New Guinea by population?
Burundi is larger by population, with 12.3M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Burundi is 1.0 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burundi or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has the higher GDP at $31.8B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Papua New Guinea's economy is 10.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burundi and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Burundi's life expectancy is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burundi or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Papua New Guinea is 16.6 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Burundi and Papua New Guinea?
Burundi recognizes the following languages: French, Kirundi. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burundi or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Burundi or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-...
Is Burundi or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea may of...
Is Burundi or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Burundi or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 13.7x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living v...
Is Burundi or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burundi and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burundi spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stre...