Bangladesh vs Madagascar
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Bangladesh is 5.4 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 25.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 4.0 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 11.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
BangladeshMadagascar| Population | +435.3%169.8M | -81.3%31.7M |
| Area | -74.9%147,570 km² | +297.8%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +2483.8%$450.1B | -96.1%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +375.9%$2,593.416 | -79.0%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.3%74.7 yrs | -14.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -44.8%24.4 | +81.1%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +24.2%3.8% | -19.5%3.0% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Bengali | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | 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
Bangladesh is 5.4 times more populous than Madagascar, with 169.8M residents compared to 31.7M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), 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 Bangladesh.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 25.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% 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 Bangladesh are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 11.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 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 81% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Madagascar is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Madagascar is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 4.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 21.3x more densely populated than Madagascar (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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 Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Madagascar for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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.
Bangladesh vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, 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 Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh 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, Bangladesh or Madagascar by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Bangladesh is 5.4 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Madagascar?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Bangladesh's economy is 25.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Madagascar?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 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, Bangladesh or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Madagascar is 4.0 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Madagascar?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Bangladesh's inflation rate is 10.5%.
Is Bangladesh or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 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-fri...
Is Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer be...
Is Bangladesh or Madagascar better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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,...
Is Bangladesh or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Bangladesh or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...