MadagascarBelarus
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Belarus's 9.1M. Madagascar is 3.5 times more populous than Belarus. Economically, Belarus ($76.0B) has a GDP 4.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 2.8 times larger than Belarus's 207,600 km². Life expectancy in Belarus stands at 74.2 years, 10.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Madagascar wins
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Belarus wins
Metric
MadagascarBelarus| Population | 31.7M | 9.1M |
| Area | 587,041 km² | 207,600 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | $76.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | $8,317.634 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.6 yrs | 74.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.2 | 1.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.4% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Minsk |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Belarusian, Russian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | BYN (Br) |
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
Madagascar is 3.5 times more populous than Belarus, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Belarus is a nation of 9.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Belarus averages 44 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Belarus.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Belarus is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Belarus economy ($76.0B) is 4.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Belarus's GDP per capita of $8,317.634 is 70% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Belarus are on average 15.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 74.2 years in Belarus, a gap of 10.6 years. Belarus (74.2 years) is 2.2 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 2226% higher than Belarus's 1.9.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Belarus (207,600 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Belarus borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Belarus's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Belarus is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Belarus belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Belarus is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Belarus's 1.9 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Belarus is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Belarus's $8,317.634 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Belarus is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Belarus's $76.0B represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Belarus's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Belarus has a GDP per capita of $8,317.634, which is 15.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Belarus is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.2x more densely populated than Belarus (54 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Belarus's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Belarus live an average of 10.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (74.2 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 Belarus's 4.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Belarus for Families
For family travel, Belarus generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Belarus's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Belarus 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 Belarus. However, Belarus may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Madagascar vs Belarus for Retirees
Belarus's life expectancy of 74.2 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.
Madagascar vs Belarus Cost of Living
Belarus's GDP per capita is 15.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belarus, 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 Belarus's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Belarus for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Belarus, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Belarus 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, Madagascar or Belarus by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Belarus's 9.1M. Madagascar is 3.5 times more populous than Belarus.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Belarus?
Belarus has the higher GDP at $76.0B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Belarus's economy is 4.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Belarus?
Belarus has a higher life expectancy at 74.2 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.6 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Belarus's is 2.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Belarus?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Belarus's 207,600 km². Madagascar is 2.8 times larger than Belarus.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Belarus?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Belarus recognizes: Belarusian, Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Belarus?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Belarus's inflation rate is 5.8%.
Is Madagascar or Belarus better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Belarus generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.9 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Madagascar or Belarus 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 Belarus. However, Belarus may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Belarus better for retirement?
Belarus's life expectancy of 74.2 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Belarus more expensive to live in?
Belarus's GDP per capita is 15.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Belarus, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Madagascar or Belarus better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Belarus, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Belarus covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...