Ivory Coast vs Burundi
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Ivory Coast is 2.6 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 28.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 11.6 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Burundi stands at 63.7 years, 1.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastBurundi| Population | +157.2%31.7M | -61.1%12.3M |
| Area | +1058.5%322,463 km² | -91.4%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +2726.1%$87.1B | -96.5%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1143.2%$2,727.894 | -92.0%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.7%61.9 yrs | +2.8%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +47.9%46.6 | -32.4%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +152.0%2.3% | -60.3%0.9% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | BIF (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
Ivory Coast is 2.6 times more populous than Burundi, with 31.7M residents compared to 12.3M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 28.3 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 12.4 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 1.7 years. Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 48% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 11.6 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both Ivory Coast and Burundi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burundi is in GDP: Ivory Coast's $87.1B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Burundi is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 12.4x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 4.5x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (443 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Burundi live an average of 1.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (63.7 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Burundi's 4.1%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Burundi 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs Burundi for Retirees
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Burundi Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 12.4x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, 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 Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Burundi 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, Ivory Coast or Burundi by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Ivory Coast is 2.6 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Burundi?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Ivory Coast's economy is 28.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Burundi?
Burundi has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.7 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Burundi?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Ivory Coast is 11.6 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Burundi?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Burundi?
Ivory Coast has lower inflation at 3.5%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Ivory Coast's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ivory Coast or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Ivory Coast or Burundi 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer better...
Is Ivory Coast or Burundi better for retirement?
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 12.4x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Ivory Coast or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...