Iraq vs Madagascar
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 16.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 8.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
IraqMadagascar| Population | +45.4%46.1M | -31.2%31.7M |
| Area | -25.3%438,317 km² | +33.9%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +1505.2%$279.6B | -93.8%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1014.4%$6,073.61 | -91.0%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.7%72.3 yrs | -12.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -52.9%20.8 | +112.5%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +409.2%15.5% | -80.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | 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
Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar, with 46.1M residents compared to 31.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 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 Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 16.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below 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 Iraq are on average 11.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 8.7 years. Iraq (72.3 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 113% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Madagascar is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 53% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 11.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.9x more densely populated than Madagascar (105 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 Iraq live an average of 8.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (72.3 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 Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iraq vs Madagascar for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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.
Iraq vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, 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 Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq 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, Iraq or Madagascar by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Madagascar?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Iraq's economy is 16.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Madagascar?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Iraq'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, Iraq or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Madagascar is 1.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Madagascar?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 ...
Is Iraq 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value i...
Is Iraq or Madagascar better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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, clima...
Is Iraq or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 11.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Iraq or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...