Madagascar vs South Sudan
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Madagascar is 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan. South Sudan covers 619,745 km², 1.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 6.0 years higher than South Sudan's 57.6 years.
MadagascarSouth Sudan| Population | +101.0%31.7M | -50.2%15.8M |
| Area | -5.3%587,041 km² | +5.6%619,745 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +10.4%63.6 yrs | -9.5%57.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -39.1%44.2 | +64.3%72.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | — |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Juba |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | SSP (£) |
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 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan, with 31.7M residents compared to 15.8M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while South Sudan is a nation of 15.8M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while South Sudan averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while South Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. Madagascar's GDP stands at $17.4B. GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for South Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 57.6 years in South Sudan, a gap of 6.0 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan (57.6 years) is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 72.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Sudan's infant mortality is 64% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
South Sudan (619,745 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while South Sudan borders 6 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to South Sudan's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and South Sudan are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and South Sudan is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to South Sudan's 15.8M represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and South Sudan is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to South Sudan's 72.6 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and South Sudan is in life expectancy: Madagascar's 63.6 years compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and South Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.1x more densely populated than South Sudan (54 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of South Sudan (63.6 vs 57.6 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.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs South Sudan for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan 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 South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 South Sudan by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to South Sudan's 15.8M. Madagascar is 2.0 times more populous than South Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or South Sudan?
GDP data is not available for South Sudan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and South Sudan?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to South Sudan's 57.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while South Sudan's is 14.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or South Sudan?
South Sudan is larger by land area, covering 619,745 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². South Sudan is 1.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and South Sudan?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. South Sudan recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or South Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. South Sudan's inflation rate is 91.4%.
Is Madagascar or South Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 72.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is Madagascar or South Sudan 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 South Sudan. However, South Sudan may offer ...
Is Madagascar or South Sudan better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Madagascar or South Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and South Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while South Sudan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...