Algeria vs Madagascar
Algeria has a population of 47.4M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Algeria is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 15.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 4.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 12.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
AlgeriaMadagascar| Population | +49.4%47.4M | -33.1%31.7M |
| Area | +305.7%2,381,741 km² | -75.4%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +1446.0%$269.3B | -93.5%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +955.6%$5,752.991 | -90.5%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.8%76.3 yrs | -16.6%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -55.4%19.7 | +124.4%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +282.5%11.6% | -73.9%3.0% |
| Capital | Algiers | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | DZD (د.ج) | 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
Algeria is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar, with 47.4M residents compared to 31.7M. Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse), 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 Algeria.
Economy Comparison
Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 15.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Algeria are on average 10.6 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Algeria is 76.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 12.6 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 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 124% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Algeria shares borders with 7 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Algeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Algeria and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Algeria and Madagascar is in GDP: Algeria's $269.3B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Algeria's $5,752.991 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Madagascar is in land area: Algeria's 2,381,741 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Algeria's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 10.6x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.7x more densely populated than Algeria (54 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (76.3 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 Algeria's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Algeria vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 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 Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Algeria vs Madagascar for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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.
Algeria vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 10.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, 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 Algeria's smaller cities.
Algeria vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria 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, Algeria or Madagascar by population?
Algeria is larger by population, with 47.4M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Algeria is 1.5 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Algeria or Madagascar?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Algeria's economy is 15.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Algeria and Madagascar?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Algeria's life expectancy is 4.3 years above 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, Algeria or Madagascar?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Algeria is 4.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Algeria and Madagascar?
Algeria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Algeria or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Algeria's inflation rate is 4.0%.
Is Algeria or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 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 cou...
Is Algeria 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 Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better v...
Is Algeria or Madagascar better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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, cl...
Is Algeria or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 10.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Algeria or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...