Madagascar vs Austria
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Madagascar is 3.4 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 30.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 7.0 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 17.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarAustria| Population | +244.8%31.7M | -71.0%9.2M |
| Area | +599.9%587,041 km² | -85.7%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -96.7%$17.4B | +2969.9%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.1%$544.988 | +10591.8%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | -22.0%63.6 yrs | +28.1%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1600.0%44.2 | -94.1%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -45.5%3.0% | +83.6%5.6% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Vienna |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | German |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | EUR (€) |
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 3.4 times more populous than Austria, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.2M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 30.7 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. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 106.9 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 17.9 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 1600% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 7.0 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Austria is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Austria is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Austria is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Austria is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 106.9x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Austria is 2.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (110 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 Austria live an average of 17.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (81.5 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria 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 Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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 Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 106.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, 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 Austria's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Austria 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 Austria by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Madagascar is 3.4 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Austria's economy is 30.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Austria?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Madagascar is 7.0 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Austria?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Austria?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Austria's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Madagascar or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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-friendl...
Is Madagascar or Austria 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 Austria. However, Austria may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 106.9x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Madagascar or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...