South AfricaMadagascar
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. South Africa is 2.0 times more populous than Madagascar. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 23.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 2.1 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in South Africa stands at 66.1 years, 2.5 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
6
South Africa wins
vs
1
Madagascar wins
Metric
South AfricaMadagascar| Population | 63.1M | 31.7M |
| Area | 1,221,037 km² | 587,041 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | $17.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | $544.988 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 24.4 | 44.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Antananarivo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | French, Malagasy |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 2.0 times more populous than Madagascar, with 63.1M residents compared to 31.7M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate). Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 23.0 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% 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 South Africa are on average 11.5 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 63.6 years in Madagascar, a gap of 2.5 years. South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 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 81% higher than South Africa's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Madagascar borders 0 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Madagascar's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and Madagascar are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Madagascar is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Madagascar's $17.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Madagascar is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Madagascar's $544.988 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Madagascar is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km² represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Madagascar's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 11.5x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 1.0x more densely populated than South Africa (54 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Africa live an average of 2.5 years longer than those of Madagascar (66.1 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
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Madagascar for Families
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though South Africa's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Madagascar for Retirees
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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.
South Africa vs Madagascar Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 11.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Madagascar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Madagascar by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Madagascar's 31.7M. South Africa is 2.0 times more populous than Madagascar.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Madagascar?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. South Africa's economy is 23.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Madagascar?
South Africa has a higher life expectancy at 66.1 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 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, South Africa or Madagascar?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². South Africa is 2.1 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Madagascar?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Madagascar recognizes: French, Malagasy. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Madagascar?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is South Africa or Madagascar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Africa generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offe...
Is South Africa or Madagascar better for retirement?
South Africa's life expectancy of 66.1 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 acces...
Is South Africa or Madagascar more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 11.5x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living var...
Is South Africa or Madagascar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Madagascar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Madagascar covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for str...