South KoreaMadagascar
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. South Korea is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 107.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 5.9 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 19.8 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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South Korea wins
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Madagascar wins
Metric
South KoreaMadagascar| Population | 51.2M | 31.7M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 587,041 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Seoul | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | MGA (Ar) |
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
South Korea is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar, with 51.2M residents compared to 31.7M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 107.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 66.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 19.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 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 1822% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 5.9 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Madagascar is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Madagascar is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 66.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in South Korea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Korea is 9.4x more densely populated than Madagascar (511 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 South Korea live an average of 19.8 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.4 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 South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 South Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Korea vs Madagascar 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Korea vs Madagascar for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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.
South Korea vs Madagascar Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 66.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, 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 South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Madagascar 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, South Korea or Madagascar by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. South Korea is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Madagascar?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. South Korea's economy is 107.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Madagascar?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.8 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Madagascar is 5.9 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Madagascar?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. South Korea's inflation rate is 2.3%.
Is South Korea or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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-fri...
Is South Korea or Madagascar 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer ...
Is South Korea or Madagascar better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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...
Is South Korea or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 66.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varie...
Is South Korea or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023