Madagascar vs Romania
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Madagascar is 1.7 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 22.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 2.5 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 13.0 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarRomania| Population | +66.7%31.7M | -40.0%19.0M |
| Area | +146.3%587,041 km² | -59.4%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -95.4%$17.4B | +2096.1%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.3%$544.988 | +3584.5%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.9%63.6 yrs | +20.4%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +718.5%44.2 | -87.8%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -49.2%3.0% | +97.0%6.0% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Bucharest |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Romanian |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | RON (lei) |
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 1.7 times more populous than Romania, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.0M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Romania.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 22.0 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. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 36.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 13.0 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 719% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Romania is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Romania is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Romania is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Romania's $382.6B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Romania is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 36.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Romania is 1.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (80 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 Romania live an average of 13.0 years longer than those of Madagascar (76.6 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 Romania's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania 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 Romania for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 36.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Romania 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 Romania by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Madagascar is 1.7 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Romania's economy is 22.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Romania?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.0 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Romania?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Madagascar is 2.5 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Romania?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Romania?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Romania's inflation rate is 5.7%.
Is Madagascar or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Romania better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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, cl...
Is Madagascar or Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 36.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Madagascar or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...