United States vs Madagascar
United States has a population of 340.1M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. 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.
United StatesMadagascar| Population | +972.0%340.1M | -90.7%31.7M |
| Area | +1522.6%9,525,067 km² | -93.8%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +164940.9%$28.75T | -99.9%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +15411.2%$84,534.041 | -99.4%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.2%78.4 yrs | -18.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.6%5.5 | +703.6%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +38.0%4.2% | -27.6%3.0% |
| Capital | Washington, D.C. | Antananarivo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | English | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | USD ($) | 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
United States is 10.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 340.1M residents compared to 31.7M. United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United States is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 1650.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 United States are on average 155.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United States is 78.4 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, 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). United States shares borders with 2 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. United States spans 11 timezones, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. United States lies in North America, while Madagascar is located in Africa. United States is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United States and Madagascar is in GDP: United States's $28.75T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: United States's $84,534.041 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Madagascar is in land area: United States's 9,525,067 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United States's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-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
United States vs Madagascar 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.
United States 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 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.
United States vs Madagascar 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.
United States vs Madagascar 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.
United States vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United States and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 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, United States or Madagascar 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, United States or Madagascar?
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 United States and Madagascar?
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. United States's life expectancy is 6.4 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, United States or Madagascar?
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 United States and Madagascar?
United States recognizes the following official language: English. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, United States or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. United States's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is United States or Madagascar 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 United States 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 United States. However, United States may of...
Is United States or Madagascar 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 United States or Madagascar 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 United States or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United States and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 timezones while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for...