Tanzania vs Madagascar
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Tanzania is 2.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Tanzania ($78.8B) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 1.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 3.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
TanzaniaMadagascar| Population | +114.8%68.2M | -53.4%31.7M |
| Area | +61.4%947,303 km² | -38.0%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +352.6%$78.8B | -77.9%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +117.8%$1,186.717 | -54.1%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%67.0 yrs | -5.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -32.4%29.9 | +47.8%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -48.3%1.6% | +93.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 2.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 68.2M residents compared to 31.7M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Tanzania.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Tanzania economy ($78.8B) is 4.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% 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 Tanzania are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 3.4 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below 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 48% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Madagascar is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Tanzania's $1,186.717 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Madagascar is in population: Tanzania's 68.2M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Tanzania has a GDP per capita of $1,186.717, which is 2.2x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Tanzania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Tanzania is 1.3x more densely populated than Madagascar (72 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 Tanzania live an average of 3.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (67.0 vs 63.6 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Madagascar for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, 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 Tanzania's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania 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, Tanzania or Madagascar by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Tanzania is 2.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Madagascar?
Tanzania has the higher GDP at $78.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Tanzania's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Madagascar?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 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, Tanzania or Madagascar?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Tanzania is 1.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Madagascar?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Tanzania's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Tanzania or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 co...
Is Tanzania 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 Tanzania. However, Tanzania may offer better...
Is Tanzania or Madagascar better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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, c...
Is Tanzania or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Tanzania's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Tanzania, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Tanzania or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...