Afghanistan vs Madagascar
Afghanistan has a population of 43.8M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Afghanistan is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar. Afghanistan covers 652,230 km², 1.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Afghanistan stands at 66.0 years, 2.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
AfghanistanMadagascar| Population | +38.2%43.8M | -27.6%31.7M |
| Area | +11.1%652,230 km² | -10.0%587,041 km² |
| GDP | — | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.8%66.0 yrs | -3.6%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +14.0%50.4 | -12.3%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +339.0%13.4% | -77.2%3.0% |
| Capital | Kabul | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Dari, Pashto, Turkmen | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | AFN (؋) | 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
Afghanistan is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar, with 43.8M residents compared to 31.7M. Afghanistan is a nation of 43.8M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Afghanistan averages 67 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Afghanistan has grown at 2.74% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Afghanistan is classified as a low-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. Madagascar's GDP stands at $17.4B. GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Economic indicator data is not available for Afghanistan. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Afghanistan is 66.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 2.4 years. Afghanistan (66.0 years) is 6.0 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 50.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Afghanistan's infant mortality is 14% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Afghanistan (652,230 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Afghanistan shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Afghanistan lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Afghanistan is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Madagascar is in population: Afghanistan's 43.8M compared to Madagascar's 31.7M represents a 28% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Afghanistan's 50.4 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 12% gap. The most significant difference between Afghanistan and Madagascar is in land area: Afghanistan's 652,230 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 10% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Afghanistan's low-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Afghanistan is 1.2x more densely populated than Madagascar (67 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 Afghanistan live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (66.0 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.
Travel Comparison
Afghanistan vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Madagascar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Afghanistan vs Madagascar for Budget Travelers
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Madagascar. However, Madagascar may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Afghanistan vs Madagascar for Retirees
Afghanistan's life expectancy of 66.0 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.
Afghanistan vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Afghanistan or Madagascar by population?
Afghanistan is larger by population, with 43.8M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Afghanistan is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Afghanistan or Madagascar?
GDP data is not available for Afghanistan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Afghanistan and Madagascar?
Afghanistan has a higher life expectancy at 66.0 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Afghanistan's life expectancy is 6.0 years below 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, Afghanistan or Madagascar?
Afghanistan is larger by land area, covering 652,230 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Afghanistan is 1.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Afghanistan and Madagascar?
Afghanistan recognizes the following languages: Dari, Pashto, Turkmen. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Afghanistan or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Afghanistan's inflation rate is -6.6%.
Is Afghanistan or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 50.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Afghanistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is Afghanistan or Madagascar cheaper to visit?
Afghanistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Afghanistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Madagascar. However, Madagascar may of...
Is Afghanistan or Madagascar better for retirement?
Afghanistan's life expectancy of 66.0 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 Afghanistan or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Afghanistan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Afghanistan spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries...