Italy vs Madagascar
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Italy is 1.9 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 136.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.9 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 20.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
ItalyMadagascar| Population | +85.7%58.9M | -46.2%31.7M |
| Area | -48.7%301,336 km² | +94.8%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +13566.8%$2.38T | -99.3%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +7310.3%$40,385.341 | -98.7%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +31.5%83.7 yrs | -24.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -94.8%2.3 | +1821.7%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +110.2%6.4% | -52.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Rome | Antananarivo |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Italy is 1.9 times more populous than Madagascar, with 58.9M residents compared to 31.7M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 136.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Italy are on average 74.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 20.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 1822% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Madagascar is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 74.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 3.6x more densely populated than Madagascar (196 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 Italy live an average of 20.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Madagascar for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 74.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy 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, Italy or Madagascar by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Italy is 1.9 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Madagascar?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Italy's economy is 136.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Madagascar?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.1 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Madagascar is 1.9 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Madagascar?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Italy's inflation rate is 1.0%.
Is Italy or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 ...
Is Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value...
Is Italy or Madagascar better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, clim...
Is Italy or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 74.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Italy or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...