Madagascar vs Chad
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Chad's 19.3M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chad. Economically, Chad ($19.5B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Chad covers 1,284,000 km², 2.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 8.6 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
MadagascarChad| Population | +64.0%31.7M | -39.0%19.3M |
| Area | -54.3%587,041 km² | +118.7%1,284,000 km² |
| GDP | -10.8%$17.4B | +12.0%$19.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -43.3%$544.988 | +76.4%$961.56 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.5%63.6 yrs | -13.5%55.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -24.7%44.2 | +32.8%58.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +187.7%3.0% | -65.2%1.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | N'Djamena |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Arabic, French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XAF (Fr) |
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
Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chad, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.3M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Chad is a nation of 19.3M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Chad averages 15 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chad.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Chad is classified as a low-income economy. The Chad economy ($19.5B) is 1.1 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. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chad are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 55.1 years in Chad, a gap of 8.6 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 58.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chad's infant mortality is 33% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chad (1,284,000 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Chad borders 6 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Chad's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Chad are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chad is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Chad's 1,284,000 km² represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chad is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Chad's $961.56 represents a 43% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Chad is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Chad's 19.3M represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Chad's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chad has a GDP per capita of $961.56, which is 1.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chad is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 3.6x more densely populated than Chad (54 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Chad (63.6 vs 55.1 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 Chad's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Chad for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Madagascar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Chad 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 Chad. However, Chad 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 Chad for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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 Chad Cost of Living
Chad's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chad, 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 Chad's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Chad for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Chad 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, Madagascar or Chad by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Chad's 19.3M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Chad.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Chad?
Chad has the higher GDP at $19.5B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Chad's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Chad?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chad's is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Chad?
Chad is larger by land area, covering 1,284,000 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Chad is 2.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Chad?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Chad recognizes: Arabic, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Chad?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Chad's inflation rate is 8.9%.
Is Madagascar or Chad better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Madagascar or Chad 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 Chad. However, Chad may offer better value i...
Is Madagascar or Chad better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Madagascar or Chad more expensive to live in?
Chad's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chad, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Madagascar or Chad better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...