Madagascar vs Nigeria
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 14.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 9.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
MadagascarNigeria| Population | -85.8%31.7M | +605.4%223.8M |
| Area | -36.5%587,041 km² | +57.4%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -93.1%$17.4B | +1348.1%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -49.7%$544.988 | +98.9%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.8%63.6 yrs | -14.4%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -26.5%44.2 | +36.0%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -0.8%3.0% | +0.8%3.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Abuja |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 223.8M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 14.5 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. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Nigeria are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 9.2 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 36% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Nigeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nigeria is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Nigeria's $252.3B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nigeria is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $1,084.16, which is 2.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Nigeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 4.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (242 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 Madagascar live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (63.6 vs 54.5 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 Nigeria's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Madagascar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria Cost of Living
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, 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 Nigeria's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Nigeria 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 Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Nigeria's economy is 14.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Nigeria?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Nigeria is 1.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Nigeria?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Nigeria?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Madagascar or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Madagascar or Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Nigeria better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Nigeria's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Nigeria, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...