Madagascar vs Tunisia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Tunisia. Economically, Tunisia ($51.3B) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 3.6 times larger than Tunisia's 163,610 km². Life expectancy in Tunisia stands at 76.5 years, 12.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarTunisia| Population | +165.0%31.7M | -62.3%12.0M |
| Area | +258.8%587,041 km² | -72.1%163,610 km² |
| GDP | -66.1%$17.4B | +194.7%$51.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.0%$544.988 | +667.2%$4,181.138 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.8%63.6 yrs | +20.2%76.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +317.0%44.2 | -76.0%10.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -79.9%3.0% | +396.8%15.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Tunis |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Arabic |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | TND (د.ت) |
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 Tunisia, with 31.7M residents compared to 12.0M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Tunisia is a nation of 12.0M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Tunisia averages 73 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Tunisia has grown at 0.91% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Tunisia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Tunisia economy ($51.3B) is 2.9 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. Tunisia's GDP per capita of $4,181.138 is 90% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Tunisia are on average 7.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 76.5 years in Tunisia, a gap of 12.9 years. Tunisia (76.5 years) is 4.5 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 317% higher than Tunisia's 10.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Tunisia (163,610 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Tunisia borders 2 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Tunisia's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Tunisia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Tunisia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Tunisia's $4,181.138 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Tunisia is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Tunisia's 10.6 per 1,000 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Tunisia is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km² represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Tunisia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tunisia has a GDP per capita of $4,181.138, which is 7.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tunisia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Tunisia is 1.4x more densely populated than Madagascar (73 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 Tunisia live an average of 12.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (76.5 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 Tunisia's 1.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Tunisia for Families
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia 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 Tunisia for Retirees
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Tunisia Cost of Living
Tunisia's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tunisia, 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 Tunisia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Tunisia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Tunisia 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 Tunisia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Tunisia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Tunisia?
Tunisia has the higher GDP at $51.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Tunisia's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Tunisia?
Tunisia has a higher life expectancy at 76.5 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Tunisia's is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Tunisia?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km². Madagascar is 3.6 times larger than Tunisia.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Tunisia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Tunisia recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Tunisia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Tunisia's inflation rate is 7.2%.
Is Madagascar or Tunisia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia 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 Tunisia. However, Tunisia may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Tunisia better for retirement?
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Tunisia more expensive to live in?
Tunisia's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tunisia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Tunisia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Tunisia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...