Morocco vs Burkina Faso
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Morocco is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Morocco ($160.6B) has a GDP 6.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 14.2 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
MoroccoBurkina Faso| Population | +53.0%36.8M | -34.6%24.1M |
| Area | +63.6%446,550 km² | -38.9%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +594.5%$160.6B | -85.6%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +322.9%$4,153.194 | -76.4%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.3%75.3 yrs | -18.9%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.4%15.5 | +189.0%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +158.8%9.0% | -61.4%3.5% |
| Capital | Rabat | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | French |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | 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
Morocco is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 36.8M residents compared to 24.1M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 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 Morocco.
Economy Comparison
Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Morocco economy ($160.6B) is 6.9 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Morocco are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 14.2 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 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 189% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Morocco and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Burkina Faso is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Burkina Faso's 44.8 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Morocco has a GDP per capita of $4,153.194, which is 4.2x 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 Morocco is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.1x more densely populated than Morocco (88 vs 82 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Morocco's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Morocco live an average of 14.2 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (75.3 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 Morocco's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 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 Morocco's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Morocco 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 Morocco. However, Morocco may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Morocco vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 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.
Morocco vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Morocco's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, 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 Morocco's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco 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, Morocco or Burkina Faso by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Morocco is 1.5 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Burkina Faso?
Morocco has the higher GDP at $160.6B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Morocco's economy is 6.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Burkina Faso?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.2 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 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, Morocco or Burkina Faso?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Morocco is 1.6 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Burkina Faso?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Burkina Faso?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Morocco'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 Morocco or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 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 Morocco 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 Morocco. However, Morocco may offer bett...
Is Morocco or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 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 Morocco or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Morocco's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Morocco or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...