Madagascar vs Somalia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Madagascar ($17.4B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Madagascar stands at 63.6 years, 4.8 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
MadagascarSomalia| Population | +61.4%31.7M | -38.0%19.7M |
| Area | -7.9%587,041 km² | +8.6%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +45.6%$17.4B | -31.3%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | -13.4%$544.988 | +15.5%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.2%63.6 yrs | -7.6%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -34.8%44.2 | +53.4%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -84.0%3.0% | +523.1%18.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | SOS (Sh) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Somalia, with 31.7M residents compared to 19.7M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Somalia.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Madagascar economy ($17.4B) is 1.5 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Somalia are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 4.8 years. Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 53% higher than Madagascar's 44.2.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Madagascar and Somalia 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 Madagascar and Somalia is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 38% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Somalia is in infant mortality: Madagascar's 44.2 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Somalia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 31% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Somalia has a GDP per capita of $629.539, which is 1.2x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Somalia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.8x more densely populated than Somalia (54 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Madagascar live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Somalia (63.6 vs 58.8 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Somalia's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Somalia 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 Somalia. However, Somalia 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 Somalia for Retirees
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Somalia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Somalia, 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 Somalia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Somalia 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 Somalia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Madagascar is 1.6 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Somalia?
Madagascar has the higher GDP at $17.4B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Madagascar's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Somalia?
Madagascar has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Somalia is 1.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Somalia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar or Somalia.
Is Madagascar or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Madagascar generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (44.2 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Madagascar or Somalia 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 Somalia. However, Somalia may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Somalia better for retirement?
Madagascar's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Madagascar or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Somalia's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Somalia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...