Kenya vs Madagascar
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Kenya is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 6.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.0 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Kenya stands at 63.6 years, 0.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
KenyaMadagascar| Population | +68.1%53.3M | -40.5%31.7M |
| Area | -1.1%580,367 km² | +1.1%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +590.8%$120.3B | -85.5%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +291.3%$2,132.435 | -74.4%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.0%63.6 yrs | -0.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -21.5%34.7 | +27.4%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +79.2%5.4% | -44.2%3.0% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | 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
Kenya is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 53.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 6.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Kenya are on average 3.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 0.0 years. Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below 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 27% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Kenya and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Madagascar is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Madagascar is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 3.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kenya is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 1.7x more densely populated than Madagascar (92 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 Kenya live an average of 0.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (63.6 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. The two countries are essentially tied on this metric.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Madagascar for Retirees
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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.
Kenya vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, 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 Kenya's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya 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, Kenya or Madagascar by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Kenya is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Madagascar?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Kenya's economy is 6.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Madagascar?
Kenya has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.0 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below 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, Kenya or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Madagascar is 1.0 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Madagascar?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Kenya's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Kenya or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 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 Kenya 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 Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value...
Is Kenya or Madagascar better for retirement?
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 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 Kenya or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Kenya or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...