Egypt vs Madagascar
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Egypt is 3.4 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 22.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 1.7 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 8.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
EgyptMadagascar| Population | +238.1%107.3M | -70.4%31.7M |
| Area | +70.8%1,002,450 km² | -41.4%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +2133.3%$389.1B | -95.5%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +512.6%$3,338.474 | -83.7%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.6%71.6 yrs | -11.2%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -63.6%16.1 | +174.5%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +123.0%6.8% | -55.2%3.0% |
| Capital | Cairo | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | 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
Egypt is 3.4 times more populous than Madagascar, with 107.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 22.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% 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 Egypt are on average 6.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 8.0 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at 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 175% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Madagascar is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Madagascar is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 70% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 6.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 2.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (107 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 Egypt live an average of 8.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (71.6 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 Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Madagascar for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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.
Egypt vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 6.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, 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 Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt 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, Egypt or Madagascar by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Egypt is 3.4 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Madagascar?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Egypt's economy is 22.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Madagascar?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.0 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at 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, Egypt or Madagascar?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Egypt is 1.7 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Madagascar?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Egypt's inflation rate is 28.3%.
Is Egypt or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 count...
Is Egypt 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 Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value...
Is Egypt or Madagascar better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 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, clim...
Is Egypt or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 6.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Egypt or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...