Madagascar vs Cambodia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Cambodia ($46.4B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 3.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 7.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarCambodia| Population | +80.5%31.7M | -44.6%17.6M |
| Area | +224.3%587,041 km² | -69.2%181,035 km² |
| GDP | -62.4%$17.4B | +166.1%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -79.3%$544.988 | +382.2%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.0%63.6 yrs | +11.1%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +117.7%44.2 | -54.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1056.3%3.0% | -91.4%0.3% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Khmer |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia, with 31.7M residents compared to 17.6M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cambodia economy ($46.4B) is 2.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cambodia are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 7.0 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 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 118% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Cambodia is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cambodia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cambodia is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cambodia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cambodia has a GDP per capita of $2,627.88, which is 4.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cambodia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (97 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 Cambodia live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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 Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Cambodia 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 Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Madagascar vs Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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.
Madagascar vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, 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 Cambodia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cambodia 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, Madagascar or Cambodia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Cambodia?
Cambodia has the higher GDP at $46.4B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Cambodia's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Cambodia?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Madagascar is 3.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Cambodia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Cambodia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Cambodia's inflation rate is 0.8%.
Is Madagascar or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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-frien...
Is Madagascar or Cambodia 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 Cambodia. However, Cambodia may offer better...
Is Madagascar or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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 Madagascar or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Cambodia's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cambodia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Madagascar or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...