Madagascar vs Israel
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Madagascar is 3.1 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 31.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 26.8 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 19.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarIsrael| Population | +213.1%31.7M | -68.1%10.1M |
| Area | +2576.0%587,041 km² | -96.3%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -96.8%$17.4B | +3002.0%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.0%$544.988 | +9840.9%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -23.5%63.6 yrs | +30.7%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1537.0%44.2 | -93.9%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -12.8%3.0% | +14.7%3.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | ILS (₪) |
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 3.1 times more populous than Israel, with 31.7M residents compared to 10.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 31.0 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. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 99.4 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 19.6 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 1537% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 26.8 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Israel is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Israel is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Israel is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 99.4x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 8.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (462 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 Israel live an average of 19.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (83.2 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 Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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.
Madagascar vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 99.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Israel 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, Madagascar or Israel by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Madagascar is 3.1 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Israel's economy is 31.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 19.6 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Israel?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Madagascar is 26.8 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Israel?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Israel?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Israel's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Madagascar or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Madagascar or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better val...
Is Madagascar or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Madagascar or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 99.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Madagascar or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...