IranMadagascar
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Iran is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 27.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.8 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 14.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Madagascar wins
Metric
IranMadagascar| Population | 86.0M | 31.7M |
| Area | 1,648,195 km² | 587,041 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.7 | 44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Tehran | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | MGA (Ar) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Iran is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 86.0M residents compared to 31.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), 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 Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 27.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% 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 Iran are on average 9.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 14.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above 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 313% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Madagascar is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 9.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.0x more densely populated than Iran (54 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (77.7 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Madagascar for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 9.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Madagascar by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Iran is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Madagascar?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Iran's economy is 27.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Madagascar?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above 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, Iran or Madagascar?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Iran is 2.8 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Madagascar?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Iran's inflation rate is 32.5%.
Is Iran or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 countr...
Is Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value i...
Is Iran or Madagascar better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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, clima...
Is Iran or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 9.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iran or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...