Madagascar vs Kazakhstan
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Kazakhstan. Economically, Kazakhstan ($291.5B) has a GDP 16.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Kazakhstan covers 2,724,900 km², 4.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Kazakhstan stands at 74.4 years, 10.8 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarKazakhstan| Population | +55.3%31.7M | -35.6%20.4M |
| Area | -78.5%587,041 km² | +364.2%2,724,900 km² |
| GDP | -94.0%$17.4B | +1573.2%$291.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.1%$544.988 | +2497.2%$14,154.632 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.5%63.6 yrs | +16.9%74.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +481.6%44.2 | -82.8%7.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -36.3%3.0% | +56.9%4.8% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Astana |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Kazakh, Russian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | KZT (₸) |
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 Kazakhstan, with 31.7M residents compared to 20.4M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Kazakhstan is a nation of 20.4M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Kazakhstan averages 7 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kazakhstan.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Kazakhstan is classified as a high-income economy. The Kazakhstan economy ($291.5B) is 16.7 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. Kazakhstan's GDP per capita of $14,154.632 is 26% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Kazakhstan are on average 26.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 74.4 years in Kazakhstan, a gap of 10.8 years. Kazakhstan (74.4 years) is 2.4 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 482% higher than Kazakhstan's 7.6.
Geographic Comparison
Kazakhstan (2,724,900 km²) is 4.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Kazakhstan borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Kazakhstan's 2 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Kazakhstan is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Kazakhstan belongs to Asia (Central Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Kazakhstan is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Kazakhstan's $14,154.632 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Kazakhstan is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Kazakhstan's $291.5B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Kazakhstan is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Kazakhstan's 7.6 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Kazakhstan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kazakhstan has a GDP per capita of $14,154.632, which is 26.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kazakhstan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 7.2x more densely populated than Kazakhstan (54 vs 7 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kazakhstan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Kazakhstan live an average of 10.8 years longer than those of Madagascar (74.4 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
Kazakhstan's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kazakhstan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Kazakhstan for Families
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 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 Kazakhstan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan for Retirees
Kazakhstan's life expectancy of 74.4 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.
Madagascar vs Kazakhstan Cost of Living
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 26.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, 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 Kazakhstan's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Kazakhstan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. 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 Kazakhstan by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Kazakhstan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has the higher GDP at $291.5B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Kazakhstan's economy is 16.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has a higher life expectancy at 74.4 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.8 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan's is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is larger by land area, covering 2,724,900 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Kazakhstan is 4.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Kazakhstan?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Kazakhstan recognizes: Kazakh, Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Kazakhstan?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Kazakhstan's inflation rate is 8.8%.
Is Madagascar or Kazakhstan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 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 c...
Is Madagascar or Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan may offer be...
Is Madagascar or Kazakhstan better for retirement?
Kazakhstan's life expectancy of 74.4 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 Madagascar or Kazakhstan more expensive to live in?
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 26.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Madagascar or Kazakhstan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...