Madagascar vs Jordan
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Jordan ($53.4B) has a GDP 3.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 6.6 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 14.2 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarJordan| Population | +170.4%31.7M | -63.0%11.7M |
| Area | +557.1%587,041 km² | -84.8%89,342 km² |
| GDP | -67.3%$17.4B | +206.3%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.2%$544.988 | +747.4%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.2%63.6 yrs | +22.3%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +262.3%44.2 | -72.4%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -81.6%3.0% | +443.7%16.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Amman |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Arabic |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 2.7 times more populous than Jordan, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Jordan economy ($53.4B) is 3.1 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. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Jordan are on average 8.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 14.2 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 262% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 6.6 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Jordan is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Jordan is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Jordan's $4,618.096 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Jordan is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Jordan is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Jordan has a GDP per capita of $4,618.096, which is 8.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Jordan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Jordan is 2.4x more densely populated than Madagascar (131 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 Jordan live an average of 14.2 years longer than those of Madagascar (77.8 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 Jordan's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Jordan's GDP per capita is 8.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, 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 Jordan's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Jordan?
Jordan has the higher GDP at $53.4B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Jordan's economy is 3.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.2 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Jordan?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Madagascar is 6.6 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Jordan?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Jordan?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Jordan's inflation rate is 1.6%.
Is Madagascar or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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-friendl...
Is Madagascar or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan more expensive to live in?
Jordan's GDP per capita is 8.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Jordan, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Madagascar or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...