Madagascar vs Venezuela
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Venezuela. Economically, Venezuela ($119.8B) has a GDP 6.9 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 1.6 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 8.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarVenezuela| Population | +11.3%31.7M | -10.1%28.5M |
| Area | -35.9%587,041 km² | +56.1%916,445 km² |
| GDP | -85.5%$17.4B | +587.7%$119.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.1%$544.988 | +673.9%$4,217.591 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.2%63.6 yrs | +14.0%72.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +105.6%44.2 | -51.4%21.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -42.7%3.0% | +74.5%5.3% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Caracas |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Spanish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | VES (Bs.S.) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Venezuela, with 31.7M residents compared to 28.5M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Venezuela economy ($119.8B) is 6.9 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. Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Venezuela are on average 7.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 72.5 years in Venezuela, a gap of 8.9 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 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 106% higher than Venezuela's 21.5.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Venezuela borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Venezuela's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Venezuela is located in South America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Venezuela belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Venezuela is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Venezuela's $4,217.591 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Venezuela is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Venezuela's $119.8B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Venezuela is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 represents a 51% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Venezuela has a GDP per capita of $4,217.591, which is 7.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Venezuela is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.7x more densely populated than Venezuela (54 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 8.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Venezuela for Families
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 Venezuela's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela 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 Venezuela for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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 Venezuela Cost of Living
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, 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 Venezuela's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Venezuela for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Venezuela 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 Venezuela by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Venezuela.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Venezuela?
Venezuela has the higher GDP at $119.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Venezuela's economy is 6.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Venezuela?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela's is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Venezuela?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Venezuela is 1.6 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Venezuela?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Venezuela recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Venezuela?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar or Venezuela.
Is Madagascar or Venezuela better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Venezuela generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (21.5 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 c...
Is Madagascar or Venezuela 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 Venezuela. However, Venezuela may offer bett...
Is Madagascar or Venezuela better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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, ...
Is Madagascar or Venezuela more expensive to live in?
Venezuela's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Venezuela, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Madagascar or Venezuela better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Venezuela covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...