ItalyMalaysia
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Malaysia. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 5.6 times larger than Malaysia's ($422.2B). Malaysia covers 330,803 km², 1.1 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Malaysia's 76.7 years.
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Italy wins
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Malaysia wins
Metric
ItalyMalaysia| Population | 58.9M | 34.2M |
| Area | 301,336 km² | 330,803 km² |
| GDP | $2.38T | $422.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $40,385.341 | $11,874.427 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.7 yrs | 76.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 6.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.4% | 3.8% |
| Capital | Rome | Kuala Lumpur |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | English, Malay |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | MYR (RM) |
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
Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Malaysia, with 58.9M residents compared to 34.2M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 5.6 times larger than Malaysia's ($422.2B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Malaysia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 76.7 years in Malaysia, a gap of 7.0 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malaysia's infant mortality is 196% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Malaysia (330,803 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Malaysia borders 3 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Malaysia's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Malaysia is located in Asia. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Malaysia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Malaysia is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Malaysia's $422.2B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Malaysia is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Malaysia's $11,874.427 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Malaysia is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 3.4x that of Malaysia ($11,874.427). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 1.9x more densely populated than Malaysia (196 vs 103 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malaysia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Malaysia (83.7 vs 76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Malaysia for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malaysia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Malaysia for Budget Travelers
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Malaysia for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malaysia 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.
Italy vs Malaysia Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Malaysia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Malaysia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malaysia can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Malaysia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Malaysia'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, Italy or Malaysia by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Malaysia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Malaysia?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Malaysia's $422.2B. Italy's economy is 5.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Malaysia?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Malaysia's 76.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malaysia's is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Malaysia?
Malaysia is larger by land area, covering 330,803 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Malaysia is 1.1 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Malaysia?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Malaysia recognizes: English, Malay. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Malaysia?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Malaysia's 1.8%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malaysia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Malaysia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malaysia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Italy or Malaysia cheaper to visit?
Malaysia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $11,874.427 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malaysia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value ...
Is Italy or Malaysia better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malaysia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Italy or Malaysia more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Malaysia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Malaysia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Italy or Malaysia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Malaysia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...