Madagascar vs Chile
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chile. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 19.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 1.3 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 17.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarChile| Population | +57.0%31.7M | -36.3%20.2M |
| Area | -22.4%587,041 km² | +28.8%756,102 km² |
| GDP | -94.7%$17.4B | +1795.9%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.7%$544.988 | +2966.1%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -21.6%63.6 yrs | +27.6%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +612.9%44.2 | -86.0%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -66.1%3.0% | +195.1%9.0% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Santiago |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Spanish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | CLP ($) |
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
Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chile, with 31.7M residents compared to 20.2M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 19.0 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. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 30.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 17.5 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 613% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Chile is located in South America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chile is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chile is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Chile's $330.3B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chile is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 30.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.0x more densely populated than Chile (54 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 17.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (81.2 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 Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile 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 Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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 Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 30.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. 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 Chile by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Chile?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Chile's economy is 19.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.5 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Chile?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Chile is 1.3 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Chile?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Chile?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Chile's inflation rate is 4.3%.
Is Madagascar or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Madagascar or Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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, clim...
Is Madagascar or Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 30.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Madagascar or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...