Burkina Faso: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Burkina Faso — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
19,751,535
#59 of 197 countries
Area
274,200 km²
#75 of 248 countries
Density
72.0 / km²
#139 of 245 countries

Burkina Faso has a population of 19,751,535 spread across 274,200 km², giving it an average density of 72.0 people per km².

Most Populous Cities

Ouagadougou
2,415,266
8685 / km²
Bobo-Dioulasso
904,920
2537 / km²
Koudougou
160,239
1346 / km²
Ouahigouya
124,587
1760 / km²
Kaya, Burkina Faso
121,970
1556 / km²
Banfora
117,452
1353 / km²
Fada N'gourma
73,200
927 / km²
Dédougou
63,617
923 / km²
Tenkodogo
61,936
1029 / km²
Dori, Burkina Faso
46,512
1251 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
19.0
Life Expectancy
64.2 yrs
Literacy Rate
41.4%
Government
presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Burkina Faso is classified as a low income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 32% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Low income
GDP per Capita
$873
Cost of Living
32% of US
Inflation
0.7%
Inequality
37.4
Moderate