Peru vs Burundi
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Peru is 2.8 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 93.8 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 46.2 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 14.1 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
PeruBurundi| Population | +178.5%34.4M | -64.1%12.3M |
| Area | +4517.4%1,285,216 km² | -97.8%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +9282.9%$289.2B | -98.9%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +3752.1%$8,452.372 | -97.4%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.1%77.7 yrs | -18.1%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -57.1%13.5 | +133.3%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +455.0%5.1% | -82.0%0.9% |
| Capital | Lima | Gitega |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | 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
Peru is 2.8 times more populous than Burundi, with 34.4M residents compared to 12.3M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Peru 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 Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 93.8 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below 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 Peru are on average 38.5 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 14.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 133% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 46.2 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Burundi is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Burundi is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Burundi is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 38.5x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 16.6x more densely populated than Peru (443 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 14.1 years longer than those of Burundi (77.7 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 Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Burundi for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Peru vs Burundi Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 38.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone 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, Peru or Burundi by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Peru is 2.8 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Burundi?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Peru's economy is 93.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Burundi?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Peru or Burundi?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Peru is 46.2 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Burundi?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Burundi?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Peru or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in spec...
Is Peru or Burundi better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Peru or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 38.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Peru or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...