Malaysia vs Madagascar
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Malaysia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 24.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.8 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 13.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MalaysiaMadagascar| Population | +7.9%34.2M | -7.3%31.7M |
| Area | -43.6%330,803 km² | +77.5%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +2323.7%$422.2B | -95.9%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2078.8%$11,874.427 | -95.4%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.5%76.7 yrs | -17.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.6%6.8 | +550.0%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +23.8%3.8% | -19.2%3.0% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | English, Malay | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | 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
Malaysia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 34.2M residents compared to 31.7M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 24.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above 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 Malaysia are on average 21.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 13.0 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 550% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Malaysia lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Malaysia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Malaysia and Madagascar is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Malaysia's $11,874.427 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 21.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.9x more densely populated than Madagascar (103 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 Malaysia live an average of 13.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 21.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia 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, Malaysia or Madagascar by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Malaysia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Madagascar?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Malaysia's economy is 24.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Madagascar?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.0 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 years above 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, Malaysia or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Madagascar is 1.8 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Madagascar?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Malaysia's inflation rate is 1.8%.
Is Malaysia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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-friend...
Is Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better...
Is Malaysia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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 Malaysia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 21.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Malaysia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...