Madagascar vs Nepal
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Nepal. Economically, Nepal ($42.9B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 4.0 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Nepal stands at 70.4 years, 6.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarNepal| Population | +6.1%31.7M | -5.7%29.9M |
| Area | +298.9%587,041 km² | -74.9%147,181 km² |
| GDP | -59.4%$17.4B | +146.3%$42.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -62.3%$544.988 | +165.6%$1,447.31 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.6%63.6 yrs | +10.6%70.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +89.7%44.2 | -47.3%23.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.9%3.0% | +244.1%10.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Kathmandu |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Nepali |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | NPR (₨) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Nepal, with 31.7M residents compared to 29.9M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Nepal averages 203 people per km² (dense). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Nepal.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Nepal economy ($42.9B) is 2.5 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. Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Nepal are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 70.4 years in Nepal, a gap of 6.7 years. Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 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 90% higher than Nepal's 23.3.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Nepal borders 2 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Nepal's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Nepal is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Nepal belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nepal is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nepal is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Nepal's $1,447.31 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nepal is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Nepal's $42.9B represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Nepal's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Nepal has a GDP per capita of $1,447.31, which is 2.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Nepal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nepal is 3.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (203 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 Nepal live an average of 6.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (70.4 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 Nepal's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Nepal for Families
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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 Nepal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Nepal 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 Nepal. However, Nepal 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 Nepal for Retirees
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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 Nepal Cost of Living
Nepal's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nepal, 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 Nepal's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Nepal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Nepal 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 Nepal by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Nepal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Nepal?
Nepal has the higher GDP at $42.9B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Nepal's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Nepal?
Nepal has a higher life expectancy at 70.4 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.7 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nepal's is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Nepal?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². Madagascar is 4.0 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Nepal?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Nepal recognizes: Nepali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Nepal?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Nepal's inflation rate is 4.7%.
Is Madagascar or Nepal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Nepal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (23.3 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...
Is Madagascar or Nepal 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 Nepal. However, Nepal may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or Nepal better for retirement?
Nepal's life expectancy of 70.4 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, clim...
Is Madagascar or Nepal more expensive to live in?
Nepal's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nepal, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Madagascar or Nepal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Nepal covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...