Madagascar vs Ivory Coast
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Madagascar is 1.0 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Ivory Coast ($87.1B) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 1.8 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 1.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
MadagascarIvory Coast| Population | +0.0%31.7M | -0.0%31.7M |
| Area | +82.0%587,041 km² | -45.1%322,463 km² |
| GDP | -80.0%$17.4B | +400.1%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | -80.0%$544.988 | +400.5%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.7%63.6 yrs | -2.7%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -5.2%44.2 | +5.4%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +30.9%3.0% | -23.6%2.3% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Yamoussoukro |
| 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 1.0 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 31.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Ivory Coast economy ($87.1B) is 5.0 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. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ivory Coast are on average 5.0 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 1.7 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 5% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Ivory Coast is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ivory Coast has a GDP per capita of $2,727.894, which is 5.0x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ivory Coast is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ivory Coast is 1.8x more densely populated than Madagascar (98 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 1.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (63.6 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, 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 Ivory Coast's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Madagascar is 1.0 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has the higher GDP at $87.1B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Ivory Coast's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Ivory Coast?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.7 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Ivory Coast?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Madagascar is 1.8 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Ivory Coast?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Ivory Coast?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Ivory Coast's inflation rate is 3.5%.
Is Madagascar or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both...
Is Madagascar or Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast may offer ...
Is Madagascar or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Madagascar or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is 5.0x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ivory Coast, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Madagascar or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...