Madagascar vs Indonesia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Indonesia's 284.4M. Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 80.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 3.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Indonesia stands at 71.1 years, 7.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarIndonesia| Population | -88.8%31.7M | +796.5%284.4M |
| Area | -69.2%587,041 km² | +224.4%1,904,569 km² |
| GDP | -98.8%$17.4B | +7915.3%$1.40T |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.9%$544.988 | +803.8%$4,925.43 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.6%63.6 yrs | +11.8%71.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +160.0%44.2 | -61.5%17.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -6.1%3.0% | +6.4%3.2% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Jakarta |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Indonesian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | IDR (Rp) |
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
Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar, with 284.4M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Indonesia has grown at 0.95% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 80.2 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. Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Indonesia are on average 9.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 71.1 years in Indonesia, a gap of 7.5 years. Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 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 160% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Indonesia borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Indonesia's 3 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Indonesia is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Indonesia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Indonesia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Indonesia's $1.40T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Indonesia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Indonesia's $4,925.43 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Indonesia is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Indonesia's 284.4M represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Indonesia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Indonesia has a GDP per capita of $4,925.43, which is 9.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Indonesia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Indonesia is 2.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (149 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 Indonesia live an average of 7.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (71.1 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
Indonesia's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Indonesia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Indonesia for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Retirees
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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 Indonesia Cost of Living
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 9.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, 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 Indonesia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Indonesia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. 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 Indonesia by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Indonesia?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Indonesia's economy is 80.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Indonesia?
Indonesia has a higher life expectancy at 71.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.5 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia's is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Indonesia?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Indonesia is 3.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Indonesia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Indonesia recognizes: Indonesian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Indonesia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Indonesia's inflation rate is 2.2%.
Is Madagascar or Indonesia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 c...
Is Madagascar or Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia may offer bett...
Is Madagascar or Indonesia better for retirement?
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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 Indonesia more expensive to live in?
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 9.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Madagascar or Indonesia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...