Japan vs Madagascar
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Japan is 3.9 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 231.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.6 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 20.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
JapanMadagascar| Population | +288.3%123.2M | -74.2%31.7M |
| Area | -35.6%377,930 km² | +55.3%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +23019.9%$4.03T | -99.6%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +5861.1%$32,487.078 | -98.3%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +32.1%84.0 yrs | -24.3%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -95.9%1.8 | +2355.6%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -19.4%2.5% | +24.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Japanese | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | 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
Japan is 3.9 times more populous than Madagascar, with 123.2M residents compared to 31.7M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 231.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% 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 Japan are on average 59.6 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 20.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 2356% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Japan lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Japan is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Madagascar is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 59.6x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 6.0x more densely populated than Madagascar (326 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 Japan live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (84.0 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 Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Japan vs Madagascar for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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.
Japan vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 59.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan 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, Japan or Madagascar by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Japan is 3.9 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Madagascar?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Japan's economy is 231.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Madagascar?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 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, Japan or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Madagascar is 1.6 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Madagascar?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Japan or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value...
Is Japan or Madagascar better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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, clim...
Is Japan or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 59.6x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Japan or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...