Madagascar vs Niger
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Niger's 26.3M. Madagascar is 1.2 times more populous than Niger. Economically, Niger ($19.9B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Niger covers 1,267,000 km², 2.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 2.4 years higher than Niger's 61.2 years.
MadagascarNiger| Population | +20.6%31.7M | -17.1%26.3M |
| Area | -53.7%587,041 km² | +115.8%1,267,000 km² |
| GDP | -12.4%$17.4B | +14.1%$19.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -25.9%$544.988 | +34.9%$735.27 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.0%63.6 yrs | -3.8%61.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -34.4%44.2 | +52.5%67.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +671.8%3.0% | -87.0%0.4% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Niamey |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Niger, with 31.7M residents compared to 26.3M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Niger is a nation of 26.3M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Niger.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Niger is classified as a low-income economy. The Niger economy ($19.9B) is 1.1 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. Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Niger are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 61.2 years in Niger, a gap of 2.4 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 52% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Niger (1,267,000 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Niger borders 7 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Niger's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Niger are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Niger is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Niger's 1,267,000 km² represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Niger is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Niger's 67.4 per 1,000 represents a 34% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Niger is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Niger's $735.27 represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Niger's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Niger has a GDP per capita of $735.27, which is 1.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Niger is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.6x more densely populated than Niger (54 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Niger (63.6 vs 61.2 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Niger for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Madagascar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Niger 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 Niger. However, Niger 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 Niger for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Niger Cost of Living
Niger's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Niger, 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 Niger's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Niger for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Niger 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 Niger by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Niger's 26.3M. Madagascar is 1.2 times more populous than Niger.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Niger?
Niger has the higher GDP at $19.9B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Niger's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Niger?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Niger's 61.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Niger's is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Niger?
Niger is larger by land area, covering 1,267,000 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Niger is 2.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Niger?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Niger recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Niger?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Niger's inflation rate is 9.1%.
Is Madagascar or Niger better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Madagascar or Niger 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 Niger. However, Niger may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or Niger better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Niger more expensive to live in?
Niger's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Niger, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Madagascar or Niger better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...