Madagascar vs Guatemala
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 6.5 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 5.4 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 9.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarGuatemala| Population | +75.5%31.7M | -43.0%18.1M |
| Area | +439.1%587,041 km² | -81.5%108,889 km² |
| GDP | -84.6%$17.4B | +549.8%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -91.1%$544.988 | +1028.5%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.4%63.6 yrs | +14.1%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +146.9%44.2 | -59.5%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +16.8%3.0% | -14.4%2.6% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Spanish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | GTQ (Q) |
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 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 31.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 6.5 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. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 11.3 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 9.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 147% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Guatemala is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Guatemala is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 11.3x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 3.1x more densely populated than Madagascar (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 9.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (72.6 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 Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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 Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 11.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Guatemala 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 Guatemala by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Madagascar is 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Guatemala?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Guatemala's economy is 6.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.0 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Guatemala?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Madagascar is 5.4 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Guatemala?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Guatemala?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Guatemala's inflation rate is 2.9%.
Is Madagascar or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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-frie...
Is Madagascar or Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer bett...
Is Madagascar or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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 Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 11.3x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is Madagascar or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...