Madagascar vs Portugal
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Madagascar is 3.0 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 18.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 6.4 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 18.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarPortugal| Population | +195.1%31.7M | -66.1%10.7M |
| Area | +537.5%587,041 km² | -84.3%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -94.4%$17.4B | +1698.3%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -98.1%$544.988 | +5274.8%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -22.7%63.6 yrs | +29.3%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1600.0%44.2 | -94.1%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -50.7%3.0% | +102.7%6.2% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Portuguese |
| 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 3.0 times more populous than Portugal, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 18.0 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 53.7 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 18.6 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 1600% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 6.4 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Portugal is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Portugal is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 53.7x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 2.2x more densely populated than Madagascar (117 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 Portugal live an average of 18.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (82.3 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Madagascar vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 53.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Madagascar is 3.0 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Portugal's economy is 18.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.6 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Portugal?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Madagascar is 6.4 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Portugal?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Portugal?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Portugal's inflation rate is 2.4%.
Is Madagascar or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal 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-friend...
Is Madagascar or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better...
Is Madagascar or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, c...
Is Madagascar or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 53.7x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Madagascar or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...