Madagascar Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 49th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
33,766,379
The population of Madagascar is about 33,766,379 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 33.5 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.40% of the world's people.
Madagascar is the 49th most populous of 217 countries and territories. Its population is growing fast — about 2.4% a year, roughly 2,192 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 53.2 million. That is 6.6 times its 1960 population of 5.1 million. Population density is 58 people per square kilometre. 33% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
33.5 million
Yearly change
+2.39%
World rank
49th
Share of world
0.40%
Density
58/km²
Land area
581,800 km²
Life expectancy
63.8 yrs
Births per woman
3.91
GDP per capita
$599
GDP
$19.6B
Population of Madagascar, 1960–2050
Madagascar population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 5,111,029 | — | 9 |
| 1970 | 6,672,003 | +2.89% | 11 |
| 1980 | 9,006,032 | +3.07% | 15 |
| 1990 | 12,055,639 | +3.00% | 21 |
| 2000 | 16,516,338 | +3.22% | 28 |
| 2010 | 22,183,340 | +2.95% | 38 |
| 2020 | 28,953,556 | +2.60% | 50 |
| 2024 | 31,964,956 | +2.47% | 55 |
| 2026proj. | 33,522,052 | +2.39% | 58 |
| 2030proj. | 36,693,183 | +2.22% | 63 |
| 2040proj. | 44,846,895 | +1.88% | 77 |
| 2050proj. | 53,185,475 | +1.59% | 91 |
Madagascar vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 5.3 times as many people as Madagascar. Bangladesh is 23.7 times more densely populated.
Madagascar population: questions and answers
What is the population of Madagascar in 2026?
About 33,522,052 (33.5 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Madagascar's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.39% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Madagascar?
About 58 people per km², with a land area of 581,800 km².
What will the population of Madagascar be in 2050?
About 53.2 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Madagascar?
Antananarivo.
What is the life expectancy in Madagascar?
63.8 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.