Ethiopia vs Madagascar
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Ethiopia ($149.7B) has a GDP 8.6 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 1.9 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Ethiopia stands at 67.3 years, 3.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
EthiopiaMadagascar| Population | +251.9%111.7M | -71.6%31.7M |
| Area | +88.1%1,104,300 km² | -46.8%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +759.6%$149.7B | -88.4%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +108.1%$1,133.883 | -51.9%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.8%67.3 yrs | -5.5%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -19.2%35.7 | +23.8%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +9.3%3.3% | -8.5%3.0% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Amharic | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | 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
Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Madagascar, with 111.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Ethiopia economy ($149.7B) is 8.6 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% 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 Ethiopia are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 3.7 years. Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 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 24% higher than Ethiopia's 35.7.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Ethiopia and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Madagascar is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Madagascar is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ethiopia has a GDP per capita of $1,133.883, which is 2.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ethiopia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.9x more densely populated than Madagascar (101 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 Ethiopia live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 Ethiopia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ethiopia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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.
Ethiopia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, 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 Ethiopia's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia 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, Ethiopia or Madagascar by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Ethiopia is 3.5 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Madagascar?
Ethiopia has the higher GDP at $149.7B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Ethiopia's economy is 8.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Madagascar?
Ethiopia has a higher life expectancy at 67.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Ethiopia or Madagascar?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Ethiopia is 1.9 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Madagascar?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Ethiopia's inflation rate is 21.0%.
Is Ethiopia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ethiopia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (35.7 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 co...
Is Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia may offer better...
Is Ethiopia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Ethiopia's life expectancy of 67.3 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, c...
Is Ethiopia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Ethiopia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ethiopia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Ethiopia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...