Spain vs Madagascar
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 99.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.2 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 20.3 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
SpainMadagascar| Population | +55.4%49.3M | -35.7%31.7M |
| Area | -13.8%505,992 km² | +16.0%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +9806.0%$1.73T | -99.0%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +6382.1%$35,326.768 | -98.5%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +31.8%83.9 yrs | -24.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -94.1%2.6 | +1600.0%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +241.2%10.4% | -70.7%3.0% |
| Capital | Madrid | Antananarivo |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar, with 49.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 99.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Spain are on average 64.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 20.3 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 1600% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Madagascar is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 64.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 1.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (97 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 Spain live an average of 20.3 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.9 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 Spain's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Madagascar for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 64.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones 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, Spain or Madagascar by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Spain is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Madagascar?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Spain's economy is 99.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Madagascar?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.3 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². Madagascar is 1.2 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Madagascar?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Spain's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Spain or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 ...
Is Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value...
Is Spain or Madagascar better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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, clim...
Is Spain or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 64.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Spain or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...