Moving to Madagascar from Maldives

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Maldives to Madagascar? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Maldives to Madagascar, and you’d need to navigate life in French and Malagasy. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Madagascar compared to Maldives.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

MV
1.3
MG
22.5

Maldives performs better than Madagascar across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

MV
$2,288
MG
$63
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

affects wait times and access to care

MV
21.6
MG
1.8

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Madagascar leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

MV
29.0
MG
58.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

MV
3.6t
MG
0.1t

Maldives generally does better on environment, though Madagascar leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

MV
17.4
MG
0.1
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

MV
15.7%
MG
11.3%

Maldives generally does better on infrastructure, though Madagascar leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

MV
4.1%
MG
3.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

MV
$22,400
MG
$1,700

Maldives generally does better on employment & economy, though Madagascar leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

MV
76.9 yrs
MG
68.2 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

MV
25.7
MG
39.0

Maldives performs better than Madagascar across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Maldives and Madagascar. To live, work, or study long-term in Madagascar, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Madagascar's immigration authority.

Maldives passport

Maldives passport holder visiting Madagascar

Visa on Arrival
Maldives passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Madagascar.
Madagascar passport

Madagascar passport holder visiting Maldives

Visa on Arrival
Madagascar passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Maldives.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Madagascar?

Connectivity is usually fine (Madagascar: 0.1 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Madagascar offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Madagascar safe for expats?

Maldives performs better than Madagascar across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in Madagascar compared to Maldives?

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Madagascar leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 1.8 doctors per 10,000 people in Madagascar, compared to 21.6 in Maldives. Madagascar scores 35 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Maldives: 61).

What language do they speak in Madagascar?

The official languages in Madagascar are French and Malagasy. In Maldives, the official language is Maldivian.

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At a Glance

MV MG
Population 390,164 28,172,462
Currency Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Languages Maldivian French, Malagasy
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +960 +261
Time zones 1 1