India vs Madagascar
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 224.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 5.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in India stands at 72.0 years, 8.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
IndiaMadagascar| Population | +4367.8%1.42B | -97.8%31.7M |
| Area | +460.0%3,287,263 km² | -82.1%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +22344.2%$3.91T | -99.6%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +394.5%$2,694.738 | -79.8%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.2%72.0 yrs | -11.6%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -44.6%24.5 | +80.4%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +38.7%4.2% | -27.9%3.0% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | MGA (Ar) |
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
India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 1.42B residents compared to 31.7M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, India averages 431 people per km² (dense), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 224.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of India are on average 4.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 8.4 years. India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Madagascar's infant mortality is 80% higher than India's 24.5.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 5.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. India lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. India is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between India and Madagascar is in GDP: India's $3.91T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between India and Madagascar is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between India and Madagascar is in land area: India's 3,287,263 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
India has a GDP per capita of $2,694.738, which is 4.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in India is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
India is 8.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (431 vs 54 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Madagascar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of India live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (72.0 vs 63.6 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
India vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though India's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
India vs Madagascar for Budget Travelers
Madagascar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $544.988 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Madagascar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in India. However, India may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
India vs Madagascar for Retirees
India's life expectancy of 72.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Madagascar 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.
India vs Madagascar Cost of Living
India's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Madagascar can approach or exceed average costs in India's smaller cities.
India vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between India and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar'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, India or Madagascar by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Madagascar?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. India's economy is 224.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Madagascar?
India has a higher life expectancy at 72.0 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. India's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, India or Madagascar?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². India is 5.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in India and Madagascar?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. India's inflation rate is 5.0%.
Is India or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is India or Madagascar cheaper to visit?
Madagascar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $544.988 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Madagascar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in India. However, India may offer better value...
Is India or Madagascar better for retirement?
India's life expectancy of 72.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Madagascar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is India or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
India's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is India or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between India and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...