Angola vs Madagascar
Angola has a population of 36.2M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Angola ($101.0B) has a GDP 5.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Angola covers 1,246,700 km², 2.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Angola stands at 64.6 years, 1.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
AngolaMadagascar| Population | +14.0%36.2M | -12.3%31.7M |
| Area | +112.4%1,246,700 km² | -52.9%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +479.8%$101.0B | -82.8%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +389.2%$2,665.874 | -79.6%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.5%64.6 yrs | -1.5%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -13.3%38.3 | +15.4%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +363.9%14.1% | -78.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Luanda | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Portuguese | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | AOA (Kz) | 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
Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 36.2M residents compared to 31.7M. Angola is a nation of 36.2M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Angola averages 29 people per km² (sparse), 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 Angola.
Economy Comparison
Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Angola economy ($101.0B) is 5.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Angola are on average 4.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Angola is 64.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 1.0 years. Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 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 15% higher than Angola's 38.3.
Geographic Comparison
Angola (1,246,700 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Angola shares borders with 4 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Angola spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Angola and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Middle Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Angola and Madagascar is in GDP: Angola's $101.0B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Angola's $2,665.874 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Angola and Madagascar is in land area: Angola's 1,246,700 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Angola's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Angola has a GDP per capita of $2,665.874, which is 4.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Angola is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.9x more densely populated than Angola (54 vs 29 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Angola's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Angola live an average of 1.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (64.6 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
Angola's economy grew at 4.4% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Angola has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Angola vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Angola generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (38.3 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 Angola's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Angola 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 Angola. However, Angola may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Angola vs Madagascar for Retirees
Angola's life expectancy of 64.6 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.
Angola vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Angola's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Angola, 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 Angola's smaller cities.
Angola vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Angola and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola 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, Angola or Madagascar by population?
Angola is larger by population, with 36.2M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Angola is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Angola or Madagascar?
Angola has the higher GDP at $101.0B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Angola's economy is 5.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Angola and Madagascar?
Angola has a higher life expectancy at 64.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.0 years. Angola's life expectancy is 7.4 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, Angola or Madagascar?
Angola is larger by land area, covering 1,246,700 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Angola is 2.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Angola and Madagascar?
Angola recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Angola or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Angola's inflation rate is 28.2%.
Is Angola or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Angola generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (38.3 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 coun...
Is Angola 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 Angola. However, Angola may offer better val...
Is Angola or Madagascar better for retirement?
Angola's life expectancy of 64.6 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 Angola or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Angola's GDP per capita is 4.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Angola, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Angola or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Angola and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Angola spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...