Madagascar vs Burkina Faso
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Madagascar is 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso. Economically, Burkina Faso ($23.1B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 2.2 times larger than Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 2.5 years higher than Burkina Faso's 61.1 years.
MadagascarBurkina Faso| Population | +31.8%31.7M | -24.1%24.1M |
| Area | +115.1%587,041 km² | -53.5%272,967 km² |
| GDP | -24.7%$17.4B | +32.7%$23.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.5%$544.988 | +80.2%$981.993 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%63.6 yrs | -4.0%61.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -1.3%44.2 | +1.4%44.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -12.5%3.0% | +14.3%3.5% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Ouagadougou |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso, with 31.7M residents compared to 24.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Burkina Faso is a nation of 24.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Burkina Faso averages 88 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Burkina Faso has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Burkina Faso is classified as a low-income economy. The Burkina Faso economy ($23.1B) is 1.3 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. Burkina Faso's GDP per capita of $981.993 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Burkina Faso are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 61.1 years in Burkina Faso, a gap of 2.5 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso (61.1 years) is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burkina Faso's infant mortality is 1% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Burkina Faso (272,967 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Burkina Faso borders 6 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Burkina Faso's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Burkina Faso are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Burkina Faso is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km² represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Burkina Faso is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Burkina Faso's $981.993 represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Burkina Faso is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Burkina Faso's $23.1B represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Burkina Faso's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Burkina Faso has a GDP per capita of $981.993, which is 1.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Burkina Faso is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Burkina Faso is 1.6x more densely populated than Madagascar (88 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 Madagascar live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Burkina Faso (63.6 vs 61.1 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
Burkina Faso's economy grew at 4.8% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burkina Faso has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Burkina Faso for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Madagascar's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso Cost of Living
Burkina Faso's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Burkina Faso, 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 Burkina Faso's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Burkina Faso for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Burkina Faso's 24.1M. Madagascar is 1.3 times more populous than Burkina Faso.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has the higher GDP at $23.1B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Burkina Faso's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Burkina Faso?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Burkina Faso's 61.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Burkina Faso's is 10.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Burkina Faso?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Burkina Faso's 272,967 km². Madagascar is 2.2 times larger than Burkina Faso.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Burkina Faso?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Burkina Faso recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Burkina Faso?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Burkina Faso's inflation rate is 4.2%.
Is Madagascar or Burkina Faso better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 44.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burkina Faso offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Madagascar or Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso. However, Burkina Faso may offe...
Is Madagascar or Burkina Faso better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burkina Faso may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Madagascar or Burkina Faso more expensive to live in?
Burkina Faso's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Burkina Faso, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Madagascar or Burkina Faso better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Burkina Faso, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Burkina Faso covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...