Burkina Faso vs Jordan
Burkina Faso has a population of 24.1M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.1 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Jordan ($53.4B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km², 3.1 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 16.7 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
Burkina FasoJordan| Population | +105.1%24.1M | -51.3%11.7M |
| Area | +205.5%272,967 km² | -67.3%89,342 km² |
| GDP | -56.7%$23.1B | +130.7%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.7%$981.993 | +370.3%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.5%61.1 yrs | +27.4%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +267.2%44.8 | -72.8%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -79.0%3.5% | +375.6%16.5% |
| Capital | Ouagadougou | Amman |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Arabic |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 2.1 times more populous than Jordan, with 24.1M residents compared to 11.7M. Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Jordan economy ($53.4B) is 2.3 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. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 4.7 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Burkina Faso is 61.1 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 16.7 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 267% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Burkina Faso (272,967 km²) is 3.1 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Burkina Faso shares borders with 6 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Burkina Faso lies in Africa, while Jordan is located in Asia. Burkina Faso is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Jordan is in GDP per capita: Burkina Faso's $981.993 compared to Jordan's $4,618.096 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Jordan is in infant mortality: Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Burkina Faso and Jordan is in land area: Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Burkina Faso's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 4.7x 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 Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 1.5x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (131 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 Jordan live an average of 16.7 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (77.8 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 Jordan's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Burkina Faso vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Burkina Faso vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, 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 Jordan's smaller cities.
Burkina Faso vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Burkina Faso is larger by population, with 24.1M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Burkina Faso is 2.1 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Burkina Faso or Jordan?
Jordan has the higher GDP at $53.4B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Jordan's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Burkina Faso and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.7 years. Burkina Faso's life expectancy is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Burkina Faso or Jordan?
Burkina Faso is larger by land area, covering 272,967 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Burkina Faso is 3.1 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and Jordan?
Burkina Faso recognizes the following official language: French. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Burkina Faso or Jordan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Jordan'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 Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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-frien...
Is Burkina Faso or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better...
Is Burkina Faso or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Burkina Faso or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Burkina Faso and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Burkina Faso spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...