GhanaMadagascar
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, Ghana ($82.3B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar covers 587,041 km², 2.5 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Ghana stands at 65.5 years, 1.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
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Ghana wins
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Madagascar wins
Metric
GhanaMadagascar| Population | 33.7M | 31.7M |
| Area | 238,533 km² | 587,041 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.5 yrs | 63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 28.2 | 44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Accra | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | MGA (Ar) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar, with 33.7M residents compared to 31.7M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, Madagascar has grown at 2.61% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The Ghana economy ($82.3B) is 4.7 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Ghana are on average 4.4 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 1.9 years. Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below 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 57% higher than Ghana's 28.2.
Geographic Comparison
Madagascar (587,041 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both Ghana and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and Madagascar is in GDP: Ghana's $82.3B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: Ghana's $2,390.772 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and Madagascar is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Ghana has a GDP per capita of $2,390.772, which is 4.4x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Ghana is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 2.6x more densely populated than Madagascar (141 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 Ghana live an average of 1.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (65.5 vs 63.6 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
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Madagascar's 4.2%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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 Ghana's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs Madagascar 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ghana vs Madagascar for Retirees
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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.
Ghana vs Madagascar Cost of Living
Ghana's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, 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 Ghana's smaller cities.
Ghana vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Madagascar 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, Ghana or Madagascar by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. Ghana is 1.1 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana or Madagascar?
Ghana has the higher GDP at $82.3B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Ghana's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ghana and Madagascar?
Ghana has a higher life expectancy at 65.5 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.9 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ghana or Madagascar?
Madagascar is larger by land area, covering 587,041 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Madagascar is 2.5 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and Madagascar?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Ghana's inflation rate is 22.8%.
Is Ghana or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Ghana generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (28.2 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...
Is Ghana or Madagascar 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 Ghana. However, Ghana may offer better value...
Is Ghana or Madagascar better for retirement?
Ghana's life expectancy of 65.5 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, clim...
Is Ghana or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
Ghana's GDP per capita is 4.4x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Ghana, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Ghana or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...
Population Growth
Ghana, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Madagascar, 1994 to 2023