Madagascar vs Malawi
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Madagascar is 1.5 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Madagascar ($17.4B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 5.0 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Malawi stands at 67.4 years, 3.7 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarMalawi| Population | +53.0%31.7M | -34.6%20.7M |
| Area | +395.5%587,041 km² | -79.8%118,484 km² |
| GDP | +53.9%$17.4B | -35.0%$11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +4.3%$544.988 | -4.1%$522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.5%63.6 yrs | +5.8%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +50.3%44.2 | -33.5%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -40.0%3.0% | +66.8%5.1% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Lilongwe |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | MWK (MK) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Malawi, with 31.7M residents compared to 20.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Malawi.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Madagascar economy ($17.4B) is 1.5 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Madagascar are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 3.7 years. Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 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 44.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Madagascar's infant mortality is 50% higher than Malawi's 29.4.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Malawi are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Malawi is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Malawi is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Malawi is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Malawi's 20.7M represents a 35% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Madagascar has a GDP per capita of $544.988, which is 1.0x that of Malawi ($522.57). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Madagascar is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malawi is 3.2x more densely populated than Madagascar (175 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 Malawi live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Madagascar (67.4 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.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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 Malawi's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi 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.
Madagascar vs Malawi for Retirees
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 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 Malawi Cost of Living
Madagascar's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Madagascar, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Madagascar's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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 Malawi by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Madagascar is 1.5 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Malawi?
Madagascar has the higher GDP at $17.4B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Madagascar's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Malawi?
Malawi has a higher life expectancy at 67.4 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Malawi?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Madagascar is 5.0 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Malawi?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Malawi?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Malawi's inflation rate is 32.2%.
Is Madagascar or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malawi generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.4 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-friendl...
Is Madagascar or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Madagascar. However, Madagascar may offer better valu...
Is Madagascar or Malawi better for retirement?
Malawi's life expectancy of 67.4 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 Malawi more expensive to live in?
Madagascar's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Madagascar, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Madagascar or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...