Colombia vs Madagascar
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 24.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 1.9 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 14.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
ColombiaMadagascar| Population | +67.2%53.1M | -40.2%31.7M |
| Area | +94.5%1,141,748 km² | -48.6%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +2304.2%$418.8B | -95.8%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1353.1%$7,919.209 | -93.1%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.1%77.7 yrs | -18.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -75.3%10.9 | +305.5%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +172.6%8.3% | -63.3%3.0% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Antananarivo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | COP ($) | 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
Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 53.1M residents compared to 31.7M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 24.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Colombia are on average 14.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 14.1 years. Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 306% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Colombia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Madagascar is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Colombia's $7,919.209 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Colombia's 10.9 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 14.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.2x more densely populated than Colombia (54 vs 46 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Colombia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Colombia live an average of 14.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (77.7 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Colombia's 1.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Colombia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 14.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, 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 Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia 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, Colombia or Madagascar by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Colombia is 1.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Madagascar?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Colombia's economy is 24.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Madagascar?
Colombia has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.1 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Colombia or Madagascar?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Colombia is 1.9 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Madagascar?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Colombia's inflation rate is 6.6%.
Is Colombia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 co...
Is Colombia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better...
Is Colombia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Colombia's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Colombia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 14.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Colombia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...