Madagascar vs Australia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Australia's 27.5M. Madagascar is 1.2 times more populous than Australia. Economically, Australia ($1.76T) has a GDP 100.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Australia covers 7,692,024 km², 13.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Australia stands at 83.1 years, 19.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarAustralia| Population | +15.2%31.7M | -13.2%27.5M |
| Area | -92.4%587,041 km² | +1210.3%7,692,024 km² |
| GDP | -99.0%$17.4B | +9985.9%$1.76T |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.2%$544.988 | +11754.2%$64,603.986 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.4%63.6 yrs | +30.5%83.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1325.8%44.2 | -93.0%3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.6%3.0% | +34.5%4.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Canberra |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | AUD ($) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Australia, with 31.7M residents compared to 27.5M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Australia is a nation of 27.5M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Australia averages 4 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Australia has grown at 1.43% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Australia is classified as a high-income economy. The Australia economy ($1.76T) is 100.9 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. Australia's GDP per capita of $64,603.986 is 105% above the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Australia are on average 118.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 83.1 years in Australia, a gap of 19.4 years. Australia (83.1 years) is 11.1 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 1326% higher than Australia's 3.1.
Geographic Comparison
Australia (7,692,024 km²) is 13.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Australia borders 0 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Australia's 8 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Australia is located in Oceania. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Australia belongs to Oceania (Australia and New Zealand).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Australia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Australia's $64,603.986 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Australia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Australia's $1.76T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Australia is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Australia's 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Australia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Australia has a GDP per capita of $64,603.986, which is 118.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Australia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 15.1x more densely populated than Australia (54 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Australia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Australia live an average of 19.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.1 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 Australia's 1.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Australia for Families
For family travel, Australia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 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 Australia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Australia 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 Australia. However, Australia 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 Australia for Retirees
Australia's life expectancy of 83.1 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 Australia Cost of Living
Australia's GDP per capita is 118.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Australia, 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 Australia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Australia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Australia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Australia covers 8. 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 Australia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Australia's 27.5M. Madagascar is 1.2 times more populous than Australia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Australia?
Australia has the higher GDP at $1.76T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Australia's economy is 100.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Australia?
Australia has a higher life expectancy at 83.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.4 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Australia's is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Australia?
Australia is larger by land area, covering 7,692,024 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Australia is 13.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Australia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Australia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Australia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Australia's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Madagascar or Australia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Australia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 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 co...
Is Madagascar or Australia 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 Australia. However, Australia may offer bett...
Is Madagascar or Australia better for retirement?
Australia's life expectancy of 83.1 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, ...
Is Madagascar or Australia more expensive to live in?
Australia's GDP per capita is 118.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Australia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Madagascar or Australia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Australia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Australia covers 8. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...