Madagascar vs Benin
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Madagascar is 2.4 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Benin ($21.5B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 5.2 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 2.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
MadagascarBenin| Population | +139.9%31.7M | -58.3%13.2M |
| Area | +421.2%587,041 km² | -80.8%112,622 km² |
| GDP | -18.9%$17.4B | +23.3%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -63.3%$544.988 | +172.6%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.7%63.6 yrs | -4.5%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -4.7%44.2 | +5.0%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +91.4%3.0% | -47.7%1.6% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.4 times more populous than Benin, with 31.7M residents compared to 13.2M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Benin economy ($21.5B) is 1.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Benin are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 2.9 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 5% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Benin is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Benin is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Benin is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Benin has a GDP per capita of $1,485.38, which is 2.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Benin is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 2.2x more densely populated than Madagascar (117 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 Madagascar live an average of 2.9 years longer than those of Benin (63.6 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Benin's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, 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 Benin's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Benin 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, Madagascar or Benin by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Madagascar is 2.4 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Benin?
Benin has the higher GDP at $21.5B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Benin's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Benin?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Benin?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Madagascar is 5.2 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Benin?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Benin recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Benin?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Benin's inflation rate is 1.2%.
Is Madagascar or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Madagascar or Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or Benin better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Madagascar or Benin more expensive to live in?
Benin's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Benin, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Madagascar or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...