Indonesia vs Madagascar
Indonesia has a population of 284.4M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 80.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 3.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Indonesia stands at 71.1 years, 7.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
IndonesiaMadagascar| Population | +796.5%284.4M | -88.8%31.7M |
| Area | +224.4%1,904,569 km² | -69.2%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +7915.3%$1.40T | -98.8%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +803.8%$4,925.43 | -88.9%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.8%71.1 yrs | -10.6%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -61.5%17.0 | +160.0%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +6.4%3.2% | -6.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Jakarta | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Indonesian | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | IDR (Rp) | 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
Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar, with 284.4M residents compared to 31.7M. Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Indonesia has grown at 0.95% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 80.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Indonesia are on average 9.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Indonesia is 71.1 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 7.5 years. Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 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 160% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Indonesia shares borders with 3 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Indonesia spans 3 timezones, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Indonesia lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Indonesia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Indonesia and Madagascar is in GDP: Indonesia's $1.40T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Indonesia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Indonesia's $4,925.43 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Indonesia and Madagascar is in population: Indonesia's 284.4M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Indonesia's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Indonesia has a GDP per capita of $4,925.43, which is 9.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Indonesia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Indonesia is 2.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (149 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 Indonesia live an average of 7.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (71.1 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
Indonesia's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Indonesia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Indonesia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Indonesia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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.
Indonesia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 9.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, 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 Indonesia's smaller cities.
Indonesia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Indonesia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Indonesia spans 3 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, Indonesia or Madagascar by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Indonesia is 9.0 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Indonesia or Madagascar?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Indonesia's economy is 80.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Indonesia and Madagascar?
Indonesia has a higher life expectancy at 71.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.5 years. Indonesia's life expectancy is 0.9 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, Indonesia or Madagascar?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Indonesia is 3.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Indonesia and Madagascar?
Indonesia recognizes the following official language: Indonesian. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Indonesia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Indonesia's inflation rate is 2.2%.
Is Indonesia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 c...
Is Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia may offer bett...
Is Indonesia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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, ...
Is Indonesia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 9.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Indonesia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Indonesia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Indonesia spans 3 timezones while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...