Madagascar vs Sweden
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Madagascar is 3.0 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 34.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.3 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 19.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarSweden| Population | +199.2%31.7M | -66.6%10.6M |
| Area | +30.4%587,041 km² | -23.3%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -97.1%$17.4B | +3365.5%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.0%$544.988 | +10380.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.6%63.6 yrs | +30.9%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2110.0%44.2 | -95.5%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -65.0%3.0% | +185.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Swedish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | SEK (kr) |
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 3.0 times more populous than Sweden, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.6M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 34.7 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 104.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 19.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above 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 2110% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Sweden is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Sweden is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 104.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.3x more densely populated than Sweden (54 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 19.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.3 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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.
Madagascar vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 104.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Madagascar is 3.0 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Sweden's economy is 34.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.7 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Sweden?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Madagascar is 1.3 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Sweden?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Sweden?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Sweden's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Madagascar or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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, cli...
Is Madagascar or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 104.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...