Madagascar vs Senegal
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Madagascar is 1.7 times more populous than Senegal. Economically, Senegal ($32.8B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 3.0 times larger than Senegal's 196,722 km². Life expectancy in Senegal stands at 68.7 years, 5.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarSenegal| Population | +70.6%31.7M | -41.4%18.6M |
| Area | +198.4%587,041 km² | -66.5%196,722 km² |
| GDP | -46.9%$17.4B | +88.3%$32.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -69.3%$544.988 | +225.4%$1,773.218 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.4%63.6 yrs | +7.9%68.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +46.4%44.2 | -31.7%30.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +11.2%3.0% | -10.1%2.7% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Dakar |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Senegal, with 31.7M residents compared to 18.6M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Senegal has grown at 2.80% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Senegal economy ($32.8B) is 1.9 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. Senegal's GDP per capita of $1,773.218 is 19% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Senegal are on average 3.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 68.7 years in Senegal, a gap of 5.1 years. Senegal (68.7 years) is 3.3 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 46% higher than Senegal's 30.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Senegal (196,722 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Senegal borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Senegal's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Senegal 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 Senegal is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Senegal's $1,773.218 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Senegal is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km² represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Senegal is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Senegal's $32.8B represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Senegal's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Senegal has a GDP per capita of $1,773.218, which is 3.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Senegal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Senegal is 1.7x more densely populated than Madagascar (95 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 Senegal live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (68.7 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
Senegal's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Senegal for Families
For family travel, Senegal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.2 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 Senegal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Senegal 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 Senegal. However, Senegal 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 Senegal for Retirees
Senegal's life expectancy of 68.7 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 Senegal Cost of Living
Senegal's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Senegal, 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 Senegal's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Senegal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Senegal 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 Senegal by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Madagascar is 1.7 times more populous than Senegal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Senegal?
Senegal has the higher GDP at $32.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Senegal's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Senegal?
Senegal has a higher life expectancy at 68.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Senegal's is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Senegal?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km². Madagascar is 3.0 times larger than Senegal.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Senegal?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Senegal recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Senegal?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Senegal's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Madagascar or Senegal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Senegal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (30.2 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-friend...
Is Madagascar or Senegal 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 Senegal. However, Senegal may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Senegal better for retirement?
Senegal's life expectancy of 68.7 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Senegal more expensive to live in?
Senegal's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Senegal, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Senegal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Senegal covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...