Yemen vs Burkina Faso
Yemen has a population of 32.7M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Yemen is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Yemen stands at 69.3 years, 8.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
YemenBurkina Faso| Population | +35.8%32.7M | -26.4%24.1M |
| Area | +93.4%527,968 km² | -48.3%272,967 km² |
| GDP | — | $23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.4%69.3 yrs | -11.8%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -22.5%34.7 | +29.1%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +398.2%17.3% | -79.9%3.5% |
| Capital | Sana'a | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | YER (﷼) | 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
Yemen is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 32.7M residents compared to 24.1M. Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Yemen has grown at 3.00% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Yemen is classified as a low-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. Burkina Faso's GDP stands at $23.1B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 8.2 years. Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 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 29% higher than Yemen's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Yemen shares borders with 2 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Yemen spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Yemen lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Yemen is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Yemen and Burkina Faso is in land area: Yemen's 527,968 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Burkina Faso is in population: Yemen's 32.7M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Yemen and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 23% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Yemen's low-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.4x more densely populated than Yemen (88 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Yemen's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Yemen live an average of 8.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (69.3 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.
Travel Comparison
Yemen vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Yemen's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Yemen vs Burkina Faso for Budget Travelers
Yemen is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Yemen can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Yemen vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 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.
Yemen vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Yemen or Burkina Faso by population?
Yemen is larger by population, with 32.7M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Yemen is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Yemen or Burkina Faso?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Yemen and Burkina Faso?
Yemen has a higher life expectancy at 69.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.2 years. Yemen's life expectancy is 2.7 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, Yemen or Burkina Faso?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Yemen is 1.9 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Yemen and Burkina Faso?
Yemen recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Yemen or Burkina Faso?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%.
Is Yemen or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Yemen generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 cou...
Is Yemen or Burkina Faso cheaper to visit?
Yemen is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Yemen can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso may offer bett...
Is Yemen or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Yemen's life expectancy of 69.3 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, cl...
Is Yemen or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Yemen and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Yemen spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...