Uganda vs Madagascar
Uganda has a population of 45.9M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Uganda is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Uganda ($53.9B) has a GDP 3.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 2.4 times larger than Uganda's 241,550 km². Life expectancy in Uganda stands at 68.3 years, 4.6 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
UgandaMadagascar| Population | +44.7%45.9M | -30.9%31.7M |
| Area | -58.9%241,550 km² | +143.0%587,041 km² |
| GDP | +209.5%$53.9B | -67.7%$17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +97.8%$1,077.913 | -49.4%$544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.3%68.3 yrs | -6.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -37.6%27.6 | +60.1%44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -9.7%2.7% | +10.7%3.0% |
| Capital | Kampala | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | UGX (Sh) | 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
Uganda is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar, with 45.9M residents compared to 31.7M. Uganda is a nation of 45.9M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Uganda averages 190 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Uganda has grown at 3.25% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Uganda is classified as a low-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Uganda economy ($53.9B) is 3.1 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Uganda's GDP per capita of $1,077.913 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Uganda are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Uganda is 68.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 4.6 years. Uganda (68.3 years) is 3.7 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 60% higher than Uganda's 27.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Uganda (241,550 km²). Uganda shares borders with 5 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Uganda spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Uganda and Madagascar 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 Uganda and Madagascar is in GDP: Uganda's $53.9B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Madagascar is in land area: Uganda's 241,550 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Uganda and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Uganda's $1,077.913 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Uganda's low-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Uganda has a GDP per capita of $1,077.913, which is 2.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Uganda is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Uganda is 3.5x more densely populated than Madagascar (190 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 Uganda live an average of 4.6 years longer than those of Madagascar (68.3 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
Uganda's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Uganda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Uganda vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 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 Uganda's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Uganda 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 Uganda. However, Uganda may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Uganda vs Madagascar for Retirees
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 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.
Uganda vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Uganda's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Uganda, 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 Uganda's smaller cities.
Uganda vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda 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, Uganda or Madagascar by population?
Uganda is larger by population, with 45.9M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Uganda is 1.4 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Uganda or Madagascar?
Uganda has the higher GDP at $53.9B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Uganda's economy is 3.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Uganda and Madagascar?
Uganda has a higher life expectancy at 68.3 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.6 years. Uganda's life expectancy is 3.7 years below 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, Uganda or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km². Madagascar is 2.4 times larger than Uganda.
What languages are spoken in Uganda and Madagascar?
Uganda recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Uganda or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Uganda's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Uganda or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Uganda generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (27.6 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 Uganda 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 Uganda. However, Uganda may offer better val...
Is Uganda or Madagascar better for retirement?
Uganda's life expectancy of 68.3 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 Uganda or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Uganda's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Uganda, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Uganda or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Uganda and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Uganda spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...