Madagascar/Society

Society in Madagascar

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
31.2M(2023)
Population Growth
2.5%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.97(2023)
Death Rate
7.5 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-1.8K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
63.6 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
64.8 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
445 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3.3%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
77.5%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
95.6%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
35.1%(2021)
Tertiary Enrollment
6.4(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3.1%(2022)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
20.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
39.4%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
53.5%(2022)
Urban Population
12.7M(2023)
Rural Population
18.5M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Madagascar

  • Madagascar has an estimated population of 31.2M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.5%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. With a fertility rate of 4.0 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 2K individuals annually (or -0.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 63.6 years
    2023
    underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (64.8 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (445 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 3.3% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 77%
    2022
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 96% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 35%
    2021
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.1% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (41% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 39%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 20%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.