Madagascar vs Greece
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Madagascar is 3.1 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Greece ($256.2B) has a GDP 14.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 4.4 times larger than Greece's 131,990 km². Life expectancy in Greece stands at 81.5 years, 17.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarGreece| Population | +205.0%31.7M | -67.2%10.4M |
| Area | +344.8%587,041 km² | -77.5%131,990 km² |
| GDP | -93.2%$17.4B | +1370.9%$256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.8%$544.988 | +4418.7%$24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -22.0%63.6 yrs | +28.1%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1281.3%44.2 | -92.8%3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -64.4%3.0% | +180.8%8.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Athens |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Greek |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | EUR (€) |
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
Madagascar is 3.1 times more populous than Greece, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.4M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Greece has grown at -0.52% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Greece economy ($256.2B) is 14.7 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. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Greece are on average 45.2 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 17.9 years. Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 1281% higher than Greece's 3.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Greece (131,990 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Greece borders 4 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Greece is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Greece belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Greece is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Greece's $24,626.148 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Greece is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Greece's $256.2B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Greece is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Greece's 3.2 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Greece's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Greece has a GDP per capita of $24,626.148, which is 45.2x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Greece is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Greece is 1.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (79 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 Greece live an average of 17.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (81.5 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Greece's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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 Greece's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece 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 Greece for Retirees
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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 Greece Cost of Living
Greece's GDP per capita is 45.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, 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 Greece's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Greece 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, Madagascar or Greece by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Madagascar is 3.1 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Greece?
Greece has the higher GDP at $256.2B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Greece's economy is 14.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Greece?
Greece has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Greece?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km². Madagascar is 4.4 times larger than Greece.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Greece?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Greece?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Greece's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Madagascar or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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...
Is Madagascar or Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Greece better for retirement?
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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 Greece more expensive to live in?
Greece's GDP per capita is 45.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Madagascar or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...