Philippines vs Burkina Faso
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Philippines is 4.7 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 20.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 1.3 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Philippines stands at 69.8 years, 8.7 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
PhilippinesBurkina Faso| Population | +374.1%114.1M | -78.9%24.1M |
| Area | +25.4%342,353 km² | -20.3%272,967 km² |
| GDP | +1896.2%$461.6B | -95.0%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +305.8%$3,984.832 | -75.4%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.3%69.8 yrs | -12.5%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -50.7%22.1 | +102.7%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -35.7%2.2% | +55.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Manila | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Filipino | French |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | 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
Philippines is 4.7 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 114.1M residents compared to 24.1M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), 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 Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 20.0 times larger than Burkina Faso's ($23.1B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below 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 Philippines are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Burkina Faso.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 8.7 years. Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below 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 103% higher than Philippines's 22.1.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Burkina Faso is located in Africa. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Burkina Faso belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Burkina Faso is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 4.1x 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 Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 3.8x more densely populated than Burkina Faso (333 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 Philippines live an average of 8.7 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (69.8 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Burkina Faso's 4.8%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 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 Philippines's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Burkina Faso for Retirees
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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.
Philippines vs Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, 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 Philippines's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines 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, Philippines or Burkina Faso by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Philippines is 4.7 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Burkina Faso?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B. Philippines's economy is 20.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Burkina Faso?
Philippines has a higher life expectancy at 69.8 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below 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, Philippines or Burkina Faso?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Philippines is 1.3 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Burkina Faso?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Burkina Faso?
Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Burkina Faso's 4.2%. Philippines's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Burkina Faso's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Philippines or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 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. Bo...
Is Philippines 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may of...
Is Philippines or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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 acce...
Is Philippines or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Burkina Faso, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Burkina Faso offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Philippines or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Burkina Faso's lower cost of living makes it attractive for...