Madagascar vs India
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 224.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 5.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in India stands at 72.0 years, 8.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarIndia| Population | -97.8%31.7M | +4367.8%1.42B |
| Area | -82.1%587,041 km² | +460.0%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -99.6%$17.4B | +22344.2%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | -79.8%$544.988 | +394.5%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.6%63.6 yrs | +13.2%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +80.4%44.2 | -44.6%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -27.9%3.0% | +38.7%4.2% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | New Delhi |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | INR (₹) |
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
India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 1.42B residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 224.4 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. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of India are on average 4.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 8.4 years. India (72.0 years) is at 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 80% higher than India's 24.5.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 5.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while India is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas India belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and India is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and India is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and India is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and India's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
India has a GDP per capita of $2,694.738, which is 4.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in India is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
India is 8.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (431 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 India live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs India for Families
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 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 India's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs India 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 India. However, India 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 India for Retirees
India's life expectancy of 72.0 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.
Madagascar vs India Cost of Living
India's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, 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 India's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while India 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 India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. India is 44.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or India?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. India's economy is 224.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and India?
India has a higher life expectancy at 72.0 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². India is 5.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and India?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or India?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. India's inflation rate is 5.0%.
Is Madagascar or India better for a family holiday?
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 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 count...
Is Madagascar or India 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 India. However, India may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or India better for retirement?
India's life expectancy of 72.0 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, clim...
Is Madagascar or India more expensive to live in?
India's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Madagascar or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...