Madagascar vs United States
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 10.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 1650.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 16.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 14.8 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarUnited States| Population | -90.7%31.7M | +972.0%340.1M |
| Area | -93.8%587,041 km² | +1522.6%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -99.9%$17.4B | +164940.9%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.4%$544.988 | +15411.2%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.8%63.6 yrs | +23.2%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +703.6%44.2 | -87.6%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -27.6%3.0% | +38.0%4.2% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | USD ($) |
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
United States is 10.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 340.1M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 1650.4 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. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 155.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 14.8 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 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 704% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 16.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while United States is located in North America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and United States is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and United States is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and United States is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 155.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.5x more densely populated than United States (54 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 14.8 years longer than those of Madagascar (78.4 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 United States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs United States 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 United States. However, United States 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 United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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 United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 155.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, 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 United States's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. 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 United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. United States is 10.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. United States's economy is 1650.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.8 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². United States is 16.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and United States?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or United States?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. United States's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Madagascar or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Madagascar or United States 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 United States. However, United States may of...
Is Madagascar or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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 acce...
Is Madagascar or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 155.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living ...
Is Madagascar or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for ...