Madagascar vs Burundi
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Madagascar is 2.6 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Madagascar ($17.4B) has a GDP 5.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 21.1 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Burundi stands at 63.7 years, 0.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarBurundi| Population | +157.3%31.7M | -61.1%12.3M |
| Area | +2009.1%587,041 km² | -95.3%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +465.2%$17.4B | -82.3%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +148.4%$544.988 | -59.7%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.0%63.6 yrs | +0.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +40.3%44.2 | -28.7%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +229.8%3.0% | -69.7%0.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Gitega |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | BIF (Fr) |
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 2.6 times more populous than Burundi, with 31.7M residents compared to 12.3M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Burundi has grown at 2.75% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Madagascar economy ($17.4B) is 5.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Madagascar are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 0.0 years. Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 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 40% higher than Burundi's 31.5.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 21.1 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Burundi 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 Burundi is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Burundi is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Burundi is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Burundi's 12.3M represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Madagascar has a GDP per capita of $544.988, which is 2.5x that of Burundi ($219.425). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Madagascar is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burundi is 8.2x more densely populated than Madagascar (443 vs 54 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Madagascar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Burundi live an average of 0.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (63.7 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. The two countries are essentially tied on this metric.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Burundi's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Burundi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Burundi for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Madagascar. However, Madagascar 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 Burundi for Retirees
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 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 Burundi Cost of Living
Madagascar's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Madagascar, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Madagascar's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi'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 Burundi by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Madagascar is 2.6 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Burundi?
Madagascar has the higher GDP at $17.4B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Madagascar's economy is 5.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Burundi?
Burundi has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.0 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Burundi?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Madagascar is 21.1 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Burundi?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Burundi?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Burundi's inflation rate is 20.2%.
Is Madagascar or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Burundi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (31.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Madagascar or Burundi cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Madagascar. However, Madagascar may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Burundi better for retirement?
Burundi's life expectancy of 63.7 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Madagascar's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Madagascar, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...