Madagascar vs Switzerland
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Madagascar is 3.5 times more populous than Switzerland. Economically, Switzerland ($936.6B) has a GDP 53.8 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 14.2 times larger than Switzerland's 41,284 km². Life expectancy in Switzerland stands at 84.1 years, 20.4 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarSwitzerland| Population | +249.3%31.7M | -71.4%9.1M |
| Area | +1322.0%587,041 km² | -93.0%41,284 km² |
| GDP | -98.1%$17.4B | +5276.2%$936.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -99.5%$544.988 | +18982.7%$103,998.187 |
| Life Expectancy | -24.3%63.6 yrs | +32.1%84.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1162.9%44.2 | -92.1%3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -37.6%3.0% | +60.2%4.9% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Bern |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | CHF (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 3.5 times more populous than Switzerland, with 31.7M residents compared to 9.1M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Switzerland is a nation of 9.1M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Switzerland averages 220 people per km² (dense). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Switzerland.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Switzerland is classified as a high-income economy. The Switzerland economy ($936.6B) is 53.8 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. Switzerland's GDP per capita of $103,998.187 is 271% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Switzerland are on average 190.8 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 84.1 years in Switzerland, a gap of 20.4 years. Switzerland (84.1 years) is 12.1 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 1163% higher than Switzerland's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 14.2 times larger by land area than Switzerland (41,284 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Switzerland borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Switzerland's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Switzerland is located in Europe. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Switzerland belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Switzerland is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Switzerland's $103,998.187 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Switzerland is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Switzerland's $936.6B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Switzerland is in land area: Madagascar's 587,041 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km² represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Switzerland's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $103,998.187, which is 190.8x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Switzerland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Switzerland is 4.1x more densely populated than Madagascar (220 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 Switzerland live an average of 20.4 years longer than those of Madagascar (84.1 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 Switzerland's 1.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Switzerland for Families
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Switzerland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland 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 Switzerland for Retirees
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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 Switzerland Cost of Living
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 190.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, 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 Switzerland's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Switzerland for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Switzerland 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 Switzerland by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Madagascar is 3.5 times more populous than Switzerland.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Switzerland?
Switzerland has the higher GDP at $936.6B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Switzerland's economy is 53.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Switzerland?
Switzerland has a higher life expectancy at 84.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Switzerland's is 12.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Switzerland?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km². Madagascar is 14.2 times larger than Switzerland.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Switzerland?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Switzerland recognizes: French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Switzerland?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Switzerland's inflation rate is 1.1%.
Is Madagascar or Switzerland better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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-fri...
Is Madagascar or Switzerland 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 Switzerland. However, Switzerland may offer ...
Is Madagascar or Switzerland better for retirement?
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 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...
Is Madagascar or Switzerland more expensive to live in?
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 190.8x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Madagascar or Switzerland better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Switzerland covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...