MadagascarNetherlands
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Netherlands. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 69.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 14.0 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 18.3 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
3
Madagascar wins
vs
4
Netherlands wins
Metric
MadagascarNetherlands| Population | 31.7M | 18.1M |
| Area | 587,041 km² | 41,865 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | $1.21T |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | $67,520.422 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.6 yrs | 81.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.2 | 3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Amsterdam |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Dutch |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | EUR (€) |
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 1.8 times more populous than Netherlands, with 31.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Netherlands has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 69.7 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. Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Netherlands are on average 123.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 81.9 years in Netherlands, a gap of 18.3 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 1163% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 14.0 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Netherlands borders 2 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Netherlands's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Netherlands is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Netherlands belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Netherlands is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Netherlands's $67,520.422 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Netherlands is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Netherlands's $1.21T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Netherlands is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km² represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Netherlands's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 123.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 8.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (432 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 Netherlands live an average of 18.3 years longer than those of Madagascar (81.9 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 Netherlands's 1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Netherlands for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands 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 Netherlands for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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 Netherlands Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 123.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, 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 Netherlands's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Netherlands for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Netherlands 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 Netherlands by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Netherlands.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Netherlands?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Netherlands's economy is 69.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Netherlands?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.3 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Netherlands's is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Netherlands?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Madagascar is 14.0 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Netherlands?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Netherlands recognizes: Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Netherlands?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Netherlands's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Madagascar or Netherlands better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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-fri...
Is Madagascar or Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer ...
Is Madagascar or Netherlands better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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 Netherlands more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 123.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Madagascar or Netherlands better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Netherlands covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Netherlands, 1994 to 2023