Madagascar vs Cuba
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Madagascar is 3.3 times more populous than Cuba. Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 5.3 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 14.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarCuba| Population | +225.5%31.7M | -69.3%9.7M |
| Area | +434.2%587,041 km² | -81.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $17.4B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $544.988 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -18.5%63.6 yrs | +22.7%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +569.7%44.2 | -85.1%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +74.2%3.0% | -42.6%1.7% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Spanish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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 3.3 times more populous than Cuba, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Madagascar's GDP stands at $17.4B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 14.5 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 570% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 5.3 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cuba is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cuba is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Cuba is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 1.6x more densely populated than Madagascar (89 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 Cuba live an average of 14.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Cuba by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Madagascar is 3.3 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.5 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Cuba?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Madagascar is 5.3 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Cuba?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar or Cuba.
Is Madagascar or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 a...
Is Madagascar or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value i...
Is Madagascar or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Madagascar or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing ...