Madagascar vs Haiti
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Haiti. Economically, Haiti ($25.2B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 21.2 times larger than Haiti's 27,750 km². Life expectancy in Haiti stands at 64.9 years, 1.3 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarHaiti| Population | +167.4%31.7M | -62.6%11.9M |
| Area | +2015.5%587,041 km² | -95.3%27,750 km² |
| GDP | -30.9%$17.4B | +44.8%$25.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -74.6%$544.988 | +293.2%$2,142.623 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.0%63.6 yrs | +2.0%64.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +9.7%44.2 | -8.8%40.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -79.7%3.0% | +391.4%14.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Port-au-Prince |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French, Haitian Creole |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | HTG (G) |
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 2.7 times more populous than Haiti, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.9M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Haiti is a nation of 11.9M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Haiti averages 428 people per km² (dense). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Haiti.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Haiti is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Haiti economy ($25.2B) is 1.4 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. Haiti's GDP per capita of $2,142.623 is 84% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Haiti are on average 3.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 64.9 years in Haiti, a gap of 1.3 years. Haiti (64.9 years) is 7.1 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 10% higher than Haiti's 40.3.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 21.2 times larger by land area than Haiti (27,750 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Haiti borders 1 country. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Haiti's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Haiti is located in North America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Haiti belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Haiti is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Haiti is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Haiti's $2,142.623 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Haiti is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Haiti's 11.9M represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Haiti's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Haiti has a GDP per capita of $2,142.623, which is 3.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Haiti is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Haiti is 7.9x more densely populated than Madagascar (428 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 Haiti live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Madagascar (64.9 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 Haiti's -4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Haiti's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Haiti for Families
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Haiti's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Haiti 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 Haiti. However, Haiti 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 Haiti for Retirees
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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.
Madagascar vs Haiti Cost of Living
Haiti's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, 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 Haiti's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Haiti for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Haiti 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 Haiti by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Haiti's 11.9M. Madagascar is 2.7 times more populous than Haiti.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Haiti?
Haiti has the higher GDP at $25.2B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Haiti's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Haiti?
Haiti has a higher life expectancy at 64.9 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Haiti's is 7.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Haiti?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Haiti's 27,750 km². Madagascar is 21.2 times larger than Haiti.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Haiti?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Haiti recognizes: French, Haitian Creole. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Haiti?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Haiti's inflation rate is 26.9%.
Is Madagascar or Haiti better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Haiti generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.3 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Madagascar or Haiti 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 Haiti. However, Haiti may offer better value...
Is Madagascar or Haiti better for retirement?
Haiti's life expectancy of 64.9 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 Madagascar or Haiti more expensive to live in?
Haiti's GDP per capita is 3.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Haiti, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Madagascar or Haiti better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Haiti, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Haiti covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...