MadagascarHungary
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Hungary's 9.5M. Madagascar is 3.3 times more populous than Hungary. Economically, Hungary ($222.7B) has a GDP 12.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 6.3 times larger than Hungary's 93,028 km². Life expectancy in Hungary stands at 76.8 years, 13.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Madagascar wins
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Hungary wins
Metric
MadagascarHungary| Population | 31.7M | 9.5M |
| Area | 587,041 km² | 93,028 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | $222.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | $23,292.326 |
| Life Expectancy | 63.6 yrs | 76.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 44.2 | 3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 4.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Budapest |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Hungarian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | HUF (Ft) |
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 3.3 times more populous than Hungary, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.5M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Hungary is a nation of 9.5M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Hungary averages 103 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Hungary has grown at -0.29% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Hungary is classified as a high-income economy. The Hungary economy ($222.7B) is 12.8 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. Hungary's GDP per capita of $23,292.326 is 17% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Hungary are on average 42.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 76.8 years in Hungary, a gap of 13.1 years. Hungary (76.8 years) is 4.8 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 1281% higher than Hungary's 3.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 6.3 times larger by land area than Hungary (93,028 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Hungary borders 7 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Hungary's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Hungary is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Hungary belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Hungary is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Hungary's $23,292.326 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Hungary is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Hungary's 3.2 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Hungary is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Hungary's $222.7B represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Hungary's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Hungary has a GDP per capita of $23,292.326, which is 42.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Hungary is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Hungary is 1.9x more densely populated than Madagascar (103 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 Hungary live an average of 13.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (76.8 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 Hungary's 0.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Hungary for Families
For family travel, Hungary generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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 Hungary's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Hungary 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 Hungary. However, Hungary 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 Hungary for Retirees
Hungary's life expectancy of 76.8 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 Hungary Cost of Living
Hungary's GDP per capita is 42.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Hungary, 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 Hungary's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Hungary for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Hungary, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Hungary 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 Hungary by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Hungary's 9.5M. Madagascar is 3.3 times more populous than Hungary.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Hungary?
Hungary has the higher GDP at $222.7B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Hungary's economy is 12.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Hungary?
Hungary has a higher life expectancy at 76.8 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.1 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Hungary's is 4.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Hungary?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Hungary's 93,028 km². Madagascar is 6.3 times larger than Hungary.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Hungary?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Hungary recognizes: Hungarian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Hungary?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Hungary's inflation rate is 3.7%.
Is Madagascar or Hungary better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Hungary generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 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-friendl...
Is Madagascar or Hungary 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 Hungary. However, Hungary may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Hungary better for retirement?
Hungary's life expectancy of 76.8 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Hungary more expensive to live in?
Hungary's GDP per capita is 42.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Hungary, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Madagascar or Hungary better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Hungary, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Hungary covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Hungary, 1994 to 2023