Madagascar: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Madagascar — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
26,262,368
#51 of 197 countries
Area
587,041 km²
#48 of 248 countries
Density
44.7 / km²
#172 of 245 countries

Madagascar has a population of 26,262,368 spread across 587,041 km², giving it an average density of 44.7 people per km².

Most Populous Cities

Antananarivo
1,349,501
7606 / km²
Toamasina
345,107
920 / km²
Antsirabe
260,907
393 / km²
Mahajanga
260,556
514 / km²
Fianarantsoa
203,105
162 / km²
Toliara
178,725
1140 / km²
Antsiranana
136,959
1344 / km²
Sambava
89,003
593 / km²
Antalaha
71,898
229 / km²
Fort-Dauphin (Madagascar)
71,258
862 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
20.5
Life Expectancy
68.8 yrs
Literacy Rate
74.7%
Government
semi-presidential republic
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Madagascar is classified as a low income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 28% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Low income
GDP per Capita
$509
Cost of Living
28% of US
Inflation
9.9%