MadagascarPapua New Guinea
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Papua New Guinea ($31.8B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.3 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea stands at 66.1 years, 2.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Madagascar wins
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Papua New Guinea wins
Metric
MadagascarPapua New Guinea| Population | 31.7M | 11.8M |
| Area | 587,041 km² | 462,840 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | $31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | $3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.6 yrs | 66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.2 | 32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Port Moresby |
| Region | Africa | Oceania |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | PGK (K) |
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 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.8M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Papua New Guinea economy ($31.8B) is 1.8 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. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Papua New Guinea are on average 5.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 2.5 years. Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 38% higher than Papua New Guinea's 32.0.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Papua New Guinea has a GDP per capita of $3,006.706, which is 5.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Papua New Guinea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.1x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (54 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Papua New Guinea live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (66.1 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Papua New Guinea's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 Papua New Guinea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 5.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has the higher GDP at $31.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Papua New Guinea's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Papua New Guinea?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Madagascar is 1.3 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Papua New Guinea?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Papua New Guinea?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Papua New Guinea's inflation rate is 0.6%.
Is Madagascar or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Papua New Guinea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (32.0 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 fami...
Is Madagascar or Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. However, Papua New Guinea ...
Is Madagascar or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Papua New Guinea's life expectancy of 66.1 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 a...
Is Madagascar or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita is 5.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Papua New Guinea, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of liv...
Is Madagascar or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive...
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Papua New Guinea, 1994 to 2023