Madagascar vs Russia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 124.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 29.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 9.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarRussia| Population | -78.3%31.7M | +360.3%146.0M |
| Area | -96.6%587,041 km² | +2812.6%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -99.2%$17.4B | +12378.6%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.3%$544.988 | +2632.0%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.1%63.6 yrs | +15.1%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1094.6%44.2 | -91.6%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +42.6%3.0% | -29.9%2.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Moscow |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Russian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | RUB (₽) |
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
Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar, with 146.0M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 124.8 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. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 27.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 9.6 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 1095% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 29.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Russia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Russia is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Russia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Russia's $14,889.019 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 27.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 6.3x more densely populated than Russia (54 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 9.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia 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 Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 27.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. 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 Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Russia's economy is 124.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.6 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Russia is 29.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Russia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Russia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Madagascar or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 count...
Is Madagascar or Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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, cli...
Is Madagascar or Russia more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 27.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Madagascar or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...