Sudan vs Madagascar
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Sudan ($49.7B) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 3.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Sudan stands at 66.3 years, 2.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
SudanMadagascar| Population | +62.8%51.7M | -38.6%31.7M |
| Area | +221.3%1,886,068 km² | -68.9%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +185.1%$49.7B | -64.9%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +80.7%$984.608 | -44.6%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%66.3 yrs | -4.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.3%39.2 | +12.8%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 3.0% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, English | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | 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
Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar, with 51.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Sudan economy ($49.7B) is 2.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Sudan are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 2.7 years. Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below 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 13% higher than Sudan's 39.2.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Sudan and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and Madagascar is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Madagascar is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sudan has a GDP per capita of $984.608, which is 1.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sudan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.0x more densely populated than Sudan (54 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sudan live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (66.3 vs 63.6 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 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 Sudan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sudan 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 Sudan. However, 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.
Sudan vs Madagascar for Retirees
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 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.
Sudan vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, 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 Sudan's smaller cities.
Sudan vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone 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, Sudan or Madagascar by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Sudan is 1.6 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or Madagascar?
Sudan has the higher GDP at $49.7B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Sudan's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and Madagascar?
Sudan has a higher life expectancy at 66.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below 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, Sudan or Madagascar?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Sudan is 3.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and Madagascar?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan or Madagascar.
Is Sudan or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sudan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (39.2 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 Sudan 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 Sudan. However, Sudan may offer better value...
Is Sudan or Madagascar better for retirement?
Sudan's life expectancy of 66.3 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, clim...
Is Sudan or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Sudan's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sudan, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Sudan or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...