VietnamMadagascar
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Vietnam is 3.2 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 27.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.8 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 11.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Vietnam wins
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Madagascar wins
Metric
VietnamMadagascar| Population | 101.3M | 31.7M |
| Area | 331,212 km² | 587,041 km² |
| GDP | $476.4B | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,717.29 | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | 74.6 yrs | 63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 14.0 | 44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | MGA (Ar) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Vietnam is 3.2 times more populous than Madagascar, with 101.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 27.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Vietnam are on average 8.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 11.0 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 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 216% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Madagascar is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Madagascar is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 8.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 5.7x more densely populated than Madagascar (306 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 Vietnam live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Vietnam vs Madagascar for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 8.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam 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, Vietnam or Madagascar by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Vietnam is 3.2 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Madagascar?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Vietnam's economy is 27.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Madagascar?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above 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, Vietnam or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Madagascar is 1.8 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Madagascar?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Vietnam's inflation rate is 3.6%.
Is Vietnam or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better v...
Is Vietnam or Madagascar better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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, cl...
Is Vietnam or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 8.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Vietnam or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...
Population Growth
Vietnam, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023