Russia vs Madagascar
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 124.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 29.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 9.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
RussiaMadagascar| Population | +360.3%146.0M | -78.3%31.7M |
| Area | +2812.6%17,098,246 km² | -96.6%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +12378.6%$2.17T | -99.2%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2632.0%$14,889.019 | -96.3%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.1%73.3 yrs | -13.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -91.6%3.7 | +1094.6%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.9%2.1% | +42.6%3.0% |
| Capital | Moscow | Antananarivo |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Russian | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | MGA (Ar) |
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
Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar, with 146.0M residents compared to 31.7M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 124.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 27.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 9.6 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 1095% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 29.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Russia lies in Europe and Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Madagascar is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Madagascar is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Russia's $14,889.019 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 27.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 6.3x more densely populated than Russia (54 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 9.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Madagascar 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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.
Russia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 27.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Madagascar 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, Russia or Madagascar by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Russia is 4.6 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Madagascar?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Russia's economy is 124.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Madagascar?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.6 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or Madagascar?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Russia is 29.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Madagascar?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Russia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia or Madagascar 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better val...
Is Russia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 27.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Russia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...