Madagascar vs Cameroon
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Cameroon ($53.3B) has a GDP 3.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.2 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 0.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarCameroon| Population | +7.8%31.7M | -7.2%29.4M |
| Area | +23.5%587,041 km² | -19.0%475,442 km² |
| GDP | -67.3%$17.4B | +205.9%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -70.2%$544.988 | +235.8%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.1%63.6 yrs | +0.1%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +7.3%44.2 | -6.8%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -15.6%3.0% | +18.4%3.6% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English, French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XAF (Fr) |
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 Cameroon, with 31.7M residents compared to 29.4M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Cameroon has grown at 2.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Cameroon economy ($53.3B) is 3.1 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. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Cameroon are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 0.1 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below 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 7% higher than Cameroon's 41.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cameroon is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cameroon is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 19% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Cameroon has a GDP per capita of $1,830.008, which is 3.4x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Cameroon is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cameroon is 1.1x more densely populated than Madagascar (62 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 Cameroon live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (63.7 vs 63.6 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 Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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 Cameroon's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, 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 Cameroon's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cameroon 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 Cameroon by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Madagascar is 1.1 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Cameroon?
Cameroon has the higher GDP at $53.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Cameroon's economy is 3.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Cameroon?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Cameroon?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Madagascar is 1.2 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Cameroon?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Cameroon?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Cameroon's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Madagascar or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cameroon generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (41.2 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-frien...
Is Madagascar or Cameroon 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 Cameroon. However, Cameroon may offer better...
Is Madagascar or Cameroon better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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, c...
Is Madagascar or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Cameroon's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Cameroon, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Madagascar or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...