Nigeria vs Madagascar
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 14.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 1.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 9.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaMadagascar| Population | +605.4%223.8M | -85.8%31.7M |
| Area | +57.4%923,768 km² | -36.5%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +1348.1%$252.3B | -93.1%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +98.9%$1,084.16 | -49.7%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.4%54.5 yrs | +16.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +36.0%60.1 | -26.5%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +0.8%3.1% | -0.8%3.0% |
| Capital | Abuja | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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
Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 223.8M residents compared to 31.7M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 14.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below 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 Nigeria are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 9.2 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 36% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Nigeria and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Madagascar is in GDP: Nigeria's $252.3B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Madagascar is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Nigeria has a GDP per capita of $1,084.16, 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 Nigeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 4.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (242 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 Madagascar live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (63.6 vs 54.5 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 Nigeria's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Nigeria vs Madagascar for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Nigeria'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 Nigeria, 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 Nigeria's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria 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, Nigeria or Madagascar by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Nigeria is 7.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Madagascar?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Nigeria's economy is 14.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Madagascar?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Madagascar?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Nigeria is 1.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Madagascar?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Nigeria or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better v...
Is Nigeria or Madagascar better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Nigeria or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Nigeria'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 Nigeria, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Nigeria or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...