Madagascar vs Mali
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Madagascar is 1.4 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Mali ($26.8B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 3.2 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
MadagascarMali| Population | +41.7%31.7M | -29.4%22.4M |
| Area | -52.7%587,041 km² | +111.3%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | -35.0%$17.4B | +53.8%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -50.2%$544.988 | +100.9%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%63.6 yrs | -5.0%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -23.3%44.2 | +30.3%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +7.4%3.0% | -6.9%2.8% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Bamako |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XOF (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 1.4 times more populous than Mali, with 31.7M residents compared to 22.4M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Mali economy ($26.8B) is 1.5 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. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mali are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 3.2 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 30% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Mali are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Mali is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Mali is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Mali is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mali has a GDP per capita of $1,094.619, which is 2.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Mali is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 3.0x more densely populated than Mali (54 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 3.2 years longer than those of Mali (63.6 vs 60.4 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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 Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Mali's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mali, 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 Mali's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Mali 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 Mali by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Madagascar is 1.4 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Mali?
Mali has the higher GDP at $26.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Mali's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Mali?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.2 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Mali is 2.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Mali?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Mali recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Mali?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Mali's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Madagascar or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Madagascar or Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali may offer better value i...
Is Madagascar or Mali better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali more expensive to live in?
Mali's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mali, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Madagascar or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...