Burkina FasoIsrael
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Burkina Faso is 2.4 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 23.4 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 12.4 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 22.1 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
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Burkina Faso wins
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Israel wins
Metric
Burkina FasoIsrael| Population | 24.1M | 10.1M |
| Area | 272,967 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $23.1B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $981.993 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 61.1 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.8 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | ILS (₪) |
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
Burkina Faso is 2.4 times more populous than Israel, with 24.1M residents compared to 10.1M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 23.4 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. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 55.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 22.1 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 1559% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 12.4 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Israel is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Israel is in GDP: Burkina Faso's $23.1B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Israel is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 55.2x 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 Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 5.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (462 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 Israel live an average of 22.1 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (83.2 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 Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 55.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Burkina Faso is 2.4 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Israel's economy is 23.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.1 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Israel?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Burkina Faso is 12.4 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Israel?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Burkina Faso or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Burkina Faso or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better...
Is Burkina Faso or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 55.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Burkina Faso or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...
Population Growth
Burkina Faso, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023