Saudi Arabia vs Madagascar
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 71.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 3.7 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 15.1 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
Saudi ArabiaMadagascar| Population | +11.3%35.3M | -10.1%31.7M |
| Area | +266.2%2,149,690 km² | -72.7%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +7016.9%$1.24T | -98.6%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +6344.5%$35,121.663 | -98.4%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.7%78.7 yrs | -19.2%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -88.9%4.9 | +802.0%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -0.1%3.0% | +0.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Antananarivo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | 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
Saudi Arabia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 35.3M residents compared to 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 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 Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 71.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% 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 Saudi Arabia are on average 64.4 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 15.1 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 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 802% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Madagascar is located in Africa. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Madagascar belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 64.4x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 3.3x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (54 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 15.1 years longer than those of Madagascar (78.7 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 Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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 Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Madagascar for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 64.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia 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, Saudi Arabia or Madagascar by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Saudi Arabia is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Madagascar?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 71.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.1 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 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, Saudi Arabia or Madagascar?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Saudi Arabia is 3.7 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Madagascar?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Saudi Arabia's inflation rate is 1.7%.
Is Saudi Arabia or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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...
Is Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offe...
Is Saudi Arabia or Madagascar better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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 acces...
Is Saudi Arabia or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 64.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living var...
Is Saudi Arabia or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...