Chile vs Burundi
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Chile is 1.6 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 107.1 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 27.2 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 17.5 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
ChileBurundi| Population | +63.8%20.2M | -39.0%12.3M |
| Area | +2616.5%756,102 km² | -96.3%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +10614.5%$330.3B | -99.1%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +7515.3%$16,709.889 | -98.7%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +27.5%81.2 yrs | -21.6%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.3%6.2 | +408.1%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +873.3%9.0% | -89.7%0.9% |
| Capital | Santiago | Gitega |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | 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
Chile is 1.6 times more populous than Burundi, with 20.2M residents compared to 12.3M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 107.1 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Chile are on average 76.2 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 17.5 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 408% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 27.2 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Burundi is located in Africa. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Burundi is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Burundi is in land area: Chile's 756,102 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 76.2x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 16.6x more densely populated than Chile (443 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 17.5 years longer than those of Burundi (81.2 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Burundi for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
Chile vs Burundi Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 76.2x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones 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, Chile or Burundi by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Chile is 1.6 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Burundi?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Chile's economy is 107.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Burundi?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.5 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above 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, Chile or Burundi?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Chile is 27.2 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Burundi?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Burundi?
Chile has lower inflation at 4.3%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Chile'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 Chile or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in sp...
Is Chile or Burundi better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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...
Is Chile or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 76.2x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Chile or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....