Madagascar flag

Madagascar

Republic of Madagascar

Capital

Antananarivo

Region

Africa

Population

31,727,042

Area (km²)

587,041

💡Quick Summary

Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off Africa's southeast coast, boasts a population of about 31.7 million and covers 587,041 km², making it the world's fourth-largest island. Its capital, Antananarivo, serves as the economic and cultural hub in this African region, though GDP data is currently unavailable. Renowned for its unique biodiversity, including endemic species like lemurs, the country faces challenges like deforestation while offering stunning landscapes from rainforests to beaches.

Key Insights

Low Urbanization Despite Growth

Only about 32% of the population lives in urban areas, indicating that Madagascar remains predominantly rural. This low level of urbanization poses challenges for centralized infrastructure development and service delivery, particularly access to electricity.

Major Infrastructure Deficit: Low Electricity Access

Access to electricity is severely limited, reaching only 39.4% of the population. This lack of basic infrastructure is a significant bottleneck to industrialization, economic development, and improving educational and health outcomes across the country.

Critical Health Challenge: High Infant Mortality

The infant mortality rate stands at a concerning 44.200 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure is significantly higher than the global average and reflects major deficiencies in maternal health care, sanitation, and access to basic medical services.

Demographic Pressure: High Fertility and Young Population

Madagascar maintains a very high fertility rate of 3.97 children per woman, indicating rapid population growth. This demographic trend puts immense pressure on limited resources, infrastructure, and the job market, especially given the low economic output per person.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$15.87B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$508.72

GDP Growth (%)

4.2%

Inflation (%)

9.87%

Unemployment (%)

3.07%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-8.00%-4.00%0.00%4.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202308,000,00016,000,00024,000,00032,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
2014201520162017201820192020202120220.0%25.0%50.0%75.0%100.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$150$300$450$600
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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