For the most part, similar countries tend to use similar food ingredients in their cuisines. Still, there are some unique pairs of countries that have a lot in common, but have extremely different food. A list of these countries was developed by analyzing the data from the Country Similarity Index and the Country Food Similarity Index. The following three pairs of countries were found to have big differences between their food ingredients and their other aspects, including geography, demographics, culture, politics, and infrastructure.
BURUNDI-NIGER
Burundi and Niger are both landlocked countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to their colonial history, the official language in both nations is French. The average life expectancy Burundi and Niger is quite similar. Their infrastructure is not well developed, but both nations drive on the right side of the road and use type C electrical outlets. In addition, the laws in Burundi and Niger tend to be quite conservative as well. Their courts are both based on Civil Law.
However, one big difference between Burundi and Niger is their food. Millet and sorghum are the two most prominent starches eaten in Niger. In contrast, people in Burundi tend to eat more cassava and sweet potato. Fish is the most common source of protein in Burundi, while people in Niger tend to eat more beef. Furthermore, Burundi is one of the countries that consumes the most bananas, but Niger tends to eat more mangos and watermelons.
GAMBIA-MALAWI
Gambia and Malawi are countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that are situated along rivers and have a tropical savanna climate. Due to their colonial history, the official language in both nations is English. They gained independence from Britain in the 1960s. A high percentage of their population under the age of 25. In addition, both face issues like corruption, limited infrastructure, and political instability at times.
However, Gambia and Malawi have extremely different food ingredients. Rice and wheat are the staple grains in Gambia, but in Malawi cassava and corn are more commonly eaten. In addition, while fish are a big part of the diet in both nations, Gambians tends to eat far more fish from the ocean, due to their coastal location, while people in Malawi tend to eat more freshwater fish, due to their location on a large lake. Gambians also eat far more peanuts.
LESOTHO-GHANA
Lesotho and Ghana are both located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since they were colonized by Great Britain, the official language in both nations English. Their people also natively speak Niger-Congo languages. Furthermore, they are predominately Christian. These nations also have large rural populations with agriculture as a key to their livelihood. In addition, Lesotho and Ghana are multi-party democracies, although they have little rule of law
However, the food ingredients in Lesotho and the food ingredients in Ghana are extremely different. Cassava and yams are by far the most commonly eaten grains in Ghana, but in Lesotho corn and potatoes are more common. Saltwater fish is the most popular source of protein in Ghana. However, Lesotho is landlocked, so chicken and pork are more common. Another difference is that Lesotho eats significantly more apples and less tropical fruits.
DATA TABLE
| Country 1 | Country 2 | Food Similarity | Country Similarity | Difference |
| BURUNDI | NIGER | 66.05 | 34.0 | 32.05 |
| CENT AFR REP | NIGER | 59.38 | 30.6 | 28.78 |
| BURKINA FASO | BURUNDI | 58.75 | 30.0 | 28.75 |
| MALAWI | THE GAMBIA | 59.66 | 31.0 | 28.66 |
| BURUNDI | THE GAMBIA | 61.97 | 34.1 | 27.87 |
| THE GAMBIA | BURUNDI | 61.97 | 34.1 | 27.87 |
| CHAD | BURUNDI | 57.78 | 30.7 | 27.08 |
| BURKINA FASO | GUINEA | 49.39 | 23.0 | 26.39 |
| CHAD | DJIBOUTI | 60.52 | 34.3 | 26.22 |
| GHANA | LESOTHO | 59.57 | 33.4 | 26.17 |
(Minimum 65% Country Similarity)