Madagascar vs Zambia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Zambia ($25.3B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 1.3 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Zambia stands at 66.3 years, 2.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarZambia| Population | +61.1%31.7M | -37.9%19.7M |
| Area | -22.0%587,041 km² | +28.2%752,612 km² |
| GDP | -31.2%$17.4B | +45.2%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -54.1%$544.988 | +117.8%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.1%63.6 yrs | +4.3%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +43.0%44.2 | -30.1%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -48.6%3.0% | +94.6%5.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Lusaka |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | ZMW (ZK) |
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 Zambia, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Zambia averages 26 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Zambia.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Zambia economy ($25.3B) is 1.5 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. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zambia are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 2.7 years. Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below 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 43% higher than Zambia's 30.9.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Zambia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zambia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Zambia's $1,187.109 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zambia is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 38% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zambia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Zambia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zambia has a GDP per capita of $1,187.109, which is 2.2x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Zambia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.1x more densely populated than Zambia (54 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Zambia live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (66.3 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Zambia's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 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 Zambia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 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 Zambia Cost of Living
Zambia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zambia, 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 Zambia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Zambia 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 Zambia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Zambia?
Zambia has the higher GDP at $25.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Zambia's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Zambia?
Zambia has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Zambia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Zambia is 1.3 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Zambia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Zambia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Zambia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Zambia's inflation rate is 15.0%.
Is Madagascar or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zambia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.9 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 Zambia 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 Zambia. However, Zambia may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Zambia better for retirement?
Zambia's life expectancy of 66.3 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 Zambia more expensive to live in?
Zambia's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zambia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Madagascar or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...