Madagascar vs Brazil
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 6.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 125.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 14.5 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 12.2 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarBrazil| Population | -85.1%31.7M | +572.7%213.4M |
| Area | -93.1%587,041 km² | +1350.6%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -99.2%$17.4B | +12447.4%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.7%$544.988 | +1791.9%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.1%63.6 yrs | +19.2%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +253.6%44.2 | -71.7%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -49.1%3.0% | +96.3%6.0% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Brasília |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Portuguese |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 6.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 213.4M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 125.5 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. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Brazil are on average 18.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 12.2 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 254% higher than Brazil's 12.5.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 14.5 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Brazil is located in South America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Brazil is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Brazil's $2.19T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Brazil is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Brazil's $10,310.549 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Brazil is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Brazil has a GDP per capita of $10,310.549, which is 18.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Brazil is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.2x more densely populated than Brazil (54 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Brazil live an average of 12.2 years longer than those of Madagascar (75.8 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 Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil 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 Brazil for Retirees
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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 Brazil Cost of Living
Brazil's GDP per capita is 18.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, 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 Brazil's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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 Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Brazil is 6.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Brazil's economy is 125.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Brazil?
Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.2 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Brazil is 14.5 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Brazil?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Brazil?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Brazil's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is Madagascar or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 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 coun...
Is Madagascar or Brazil 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 Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Brazil better for retirement?
Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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, cli...
Is Madagascar or Brazil more expensive to live in?
Brazil's GDP per capita is 18.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Brazil, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Madagascar or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...