Peru vs Madagascar
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Peru is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 16.6 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.2 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 14.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
PeruMadagascar| Population | +8.3%34.4M | -7.6%31.7M |
| Area | +118.9%1,285,216 km² | -54.3%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +1560.2%$289.2B | -94.0%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1450.9%$8,452.372 | -93.6%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.2%77.7 yrs | -18.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.5%13.5 | +227.4%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +68.3%5.1% | -40.6%3.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Antananarivo |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | 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
Peru is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 34.4M residents compared to 31.7M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), 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 Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 16.6 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Peru are on average 15.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 14.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 227% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Madagascar is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 15.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 2.0x more densely populated than Peru (54 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 14.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (77.7 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 Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Madagascar for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Peru vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 15.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru 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, Peru or Madagascar by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Peru is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Madagascar?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Peru's economy is 16.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Madagascar?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.1 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Peru or Madagascar?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Peru is 2.2 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Madagascar?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Peru's inflation rate is 2.0%.
Is Peru or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value i...
Is Peru or Madagascar better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 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, clima...
Is Peru or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 15.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Peru or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...