Malaysia vs Burkina Faso
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Malaysia is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 18.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Malaysia covers 330,803 km², 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 15.6 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
MalaysiaBurkina Faso| Population | +42.2%34.2M | -29.7%24.1M |
| Area | +21.2%330,803 km² | -17.5%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1725.9%$422.2B | -94.5%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1109.2%$11,874.427 | -91.7%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +25.5%76.7 yrs | -20.3%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.8%6.8 | +558.8%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +8.3%3.8% | -7.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Malay | French |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | 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
Malaysia is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 34.2M residents compared to 24.1M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 18.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 12.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 15.6 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 559% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Malaysia (330,803 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Malaysia's $11,874.427 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 12.1x 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 Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.2x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 15.6 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia vs Burkina Faso 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso 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, Malaysia or Burkina Faso by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Malaysia is 1.4 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Burkina Faso?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Malaysia's economy is 18.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Burkina Faso?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.6 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 years above 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, Malaysia or Burkina Faso?
Malaysia is larger by land area, covering 330,803 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Malaysia is 1.2 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Burkina Faso?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Burkina Faso?
Malaysia has lower inflation at 1.8%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Malaysia'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 Malaysia or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 c...
Is Malaysia or Burkina Faso 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer be...
Is Malaysia or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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,...
Is Malaysia or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 12.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Malaysia or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...