Turkey vs Madagascar
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Turkey is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 78.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 1.3 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 13.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
TurkeyMadagascar| Population | +170.0%85.7M | -63.0%31.7M |
| Area | +33.5%783,562 km² | -25.1%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +7701.9%$1.36T | -98.7%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2816.2%$15,892.716 | -96.6%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +21.3%77.2 yrs | -17.5%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -79.4%9.1 | +385.7%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +180.2%8.5% | -64.3%3.0% |
| Capital | Ankara | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Turkish | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar, with 85.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 78.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Turkey are on average 29.2 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 13.5 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 386% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Turkey lies in Europe and Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Madagascar is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 29.2x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 2.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (109 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 Turkey live an average of 13.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (77.2 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 Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Madagascar for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 29.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey 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, Turkey or Madagascar by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Turkey is 2.7 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Madagascar?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Turkey's economy is 78.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Madagascar?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.5 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Madagascar?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Turkey is 1.3 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Madagascar?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Turkey's inflation rate is 58.5%.
Is Turkey or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 count...
Is Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better val...
Is Turkey or Madagascar better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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, cli...
Is Turkey or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 29.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Turkey or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...