Madagascar
Republic of Madagascar
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.60%
With a population of roughly 31.7 million, Madagascar ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 587,041 km², translating to a density of 54 people per km². Its capital is Antananarivo, and official languages include French and Malagasy, while the Malagasy ariary serves as the national currency.
Population
31,727,042
Area
587,041 km²
Density
54/km²
World Rank
#49
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 32.1 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 7.5 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 39.3% of the population is under 15, while only 3.4% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Antananarivo
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French, Malagasy
- Currencies
- Malagasy ariary (Ar)
- Calling Code
- +261
- Top-Level Domain
- .mg
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 31,727,042
- Land Area
- 587,041 km²
- Population Density
- 54 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.60%
- Annual Growth
- +824,903 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,260 people
- World Population Share
- 0.39%
- Coordinates
- -20.00°, 47.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $545 classifies Madagascar as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 36.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
63.6 years
GDP per Capita
$545
Birth Rate
32.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
32.4%
Fertility Rate
3.97 births/woman
Infant Mortality
44.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.0%
Literacy Rate
74.7%
Internet Users
20.4%
Under 15
39.3%
Over 65
3.4%
Health Spending
3.4% GDP
Gini Index
36.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
12.5M
15-64 years
18.2M
65+ years
1.1M
Urbanization
Only 32.4% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Antananarivo, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 2227.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
10.3M
32.4%
21.4M
67.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 63.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 44.2 per thousand live births, markedly lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 74.7% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Madagascar
Madagascar has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Madagascar is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Madagascar participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 31,727,042 |
| 2030 | 34,978,335 |
| 2035 | 39,105,402 |
| 2040 | 43,281,579 |
| 2045 | 47,490,706 |
| 2050 | 51,722,488 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Madagascar.
Largest Cities in Madagascar
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Madagascar by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Madagascar?
The population of Madagascar is approximately 31.7 million as of 2026, making it #49 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Madagascar?
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar?
The main languages spoken in Madagascar are French, Malagasy.
How big is Madagascar?
Madagascar covers an area of 587,041 km² with a population density of 54 people per km².
Is Madagascar growing or shrinking?
Madagascar is growing at a rate of 2.60% per year, adding approximately 824,903 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Madagascar?
The average life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Madagascar?
The GDP per capita of Madagascar is $545.