Madagascar vs Zimbabwe
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Madagascar is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Zimbabwe ($41.5B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.5 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 0.9 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
MadagascarZimbabwe| Population | +85.8%31.7M | -46.2%17.1M |
| Area | +50.2%587,041 km² | -33.4%390,757 km² |
| GDP | -58.1%$17.4B | +138.5%$41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.2%$544.988 | +358.2%$2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.4%63.6 yrs | -1.3%62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +8.9%44.2 | -8.1%40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -67.3%3.0% | +205.6%9.3% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Harare |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | ZWL ($) |
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 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 31.7M residents compared to 17.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Zimbabwe economy ($41.5B) is 2.4 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. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Zimbabwe are on average 4.6 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 0.9 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Madagascar's infant mortality is 9% higher than Zimbabwe's 40.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Zimbabwe are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Southern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Zimbabwe is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Zimbabwe's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Zimbabwe has a GDP per capita of $2,497.203, which is 4.6x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Zimbabwe is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.2x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (54 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (63.6 vs 62.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Zimbabwe's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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 Zimbabwe's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, 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 Zimbabwe's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Madagascar is 1.9 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has the higher GDP at $41.5B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Zimbabwe's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Zimbabwe?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Zimbabwe?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Madagascar is 1.5 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Zimbabwe?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar or Zimbabwe.
Is Madagascar or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Zimbabwe generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (40.6 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe may offer better...
Is Madagascar or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Zimbabwe's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Zimbabwe, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Madagascar or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...