Madagascar

The population of Madagascar is approximately 34M (2024).

The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.

Madagascar's GDP per capita is $591.73 (2024).

Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.84 years (2024).

Madagascar covers 587,041 km² (226,658 sq mi).

Madagascar has a moderate population density of 57 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Madagascar's population is growing rapidly at 2.4% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Madagascar falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $591.73. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Madagascar has 2 official languages: French, Malagasy.

Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (Ar) as its sole official currency.

Madagascar is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Madagascar are April, May, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Latest estimates show that Madagascar has a population of approximately 34 million people. This reflects an annual growth rate of 2.4%, making it the 49th largest country by population globally and the 15th largest in Africa. High birth rates and a young demographic continue to drive steady growth across the island.

Madagascar ranks 137 of 212 globally in terms of nominal GDP, with a current GDP per capita estimate of 592 USD. This per capita figure ranks 208 of 212 in the world and 51 of 54 in Africa. The economy is currently seeing a growth rate of 4.2% annually.

The adult literacy rate in Madagascar is 74.7%, according to the latest available data. This ranks the nation 132 of 170 globally. While significant progress has been made in primary education enrollment, challenges remain in secondary school completion and vocational training opportunities across rural areas where the majority of the population resides.

Approximately 18.7% of people in Madagascar use the internet, which ranks the country 199 of 212 globally for digital connectivity. Most access is concentrated in urban centers like Antananarivo. Infrastructure development and mobile network expansion are critical factors currently influencing the growth of digital engagement and the local tech economy.

Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, covering an area of 587,041 km² (226,658 sq mi). It features a diverse landscape ranging from coastal plains to the central highlands, where the highest point, Maromokotro, reaches 2,876 m (9,436 ft). The nation has an extensive coastline stretching approximately 4,828 km (3,000 mi).

The current estimated 2026 population of Madagascar is 33,540,764 people. This figure is based on projections from the latest official 2024 data, which recorded 31,964,956 residents. The nation continues to experience rapid growth, adding approximately 2,133 people to its total population every day through natural increase.

Madagascar currently holds the global rank of 49 of 215 countries. Within its regional context, it is the 15th most populous nation in Africa and ranks 6th of 16 countries in the Eastern Africa subregion. This makes it one of the most significant population centers in the Indian Ocean.

The estimated 2026 population density is 57.6 people per km² (149.2 people per sq mi). This density ranks 149th globally and 32nd within Africa. While some urban areas like Antananarivo are very crowded, large portions of the island's interior and coastline remain sparsely inhabited due to the rugged terrain.

The population of Madagascar is growing rapidly at an annual rate of 2.44%. This growth is fueled by a high crude birth rate of 31.7 births per 1,000 people, which significantly outweighs the death rate of 7.5 per 1,000. Recent data indicates the population is projected to continue expanding for several decades.

The latest official 2024 data shows a fertility rate of 3.91 births per woman in Madagascar. This rate is among the highest in the world, ranking 26th globally. This high fertility is a primary driver of the nation's 2.44% annual growth rate and its youthful demographic profile.

Currently, 32.4% of the population lives in urban areas, according to the latest official 2024 figures. This reflects a relatively low urbanization rank of 187th globally. The majority of the population remains in rural areas, primarily engaged in agriculture, though urban migration to cities like Antananarivo is steadily increasing.