Madagascar Population

Madagascar has high fertility and a young, fast-growing population, combined with some of the world's deepest poverty. Its isolation as a large island and recurrent climate shocks make it hard to expand services as fast as the population grows. The result is rapid numerical increase against a backdrop of acute development challenges.

Madagascar is the world's 49th most populous country, home to about 33.1 million people in 2026. In Eastern Africa, where it lies, that future is driven by fertility, longevity and the movement of people across its borders. Population density stands at about 58 people for every square kilometre of land.

The defining marker in Madagascar's future is its peak, expected around 2100 at about 85.2 million. After that the population eases back toward 85.2 million by 2100, having passed through 52.8 million at mid-century. It is projected to pass the 50 million mark around 2047.

Half of Madagascar is currently younger than about 19, but by 2100 the median age is projected to reach around 34, while life expectancy, near 64 years, keeps rising. For now it remains one of the world's youngest populations, with a large generation about to reach working age. An older population gradually reshapes the labour force, pension systems and healthcare demand.

Fertility is high, around 3.91 births per woman, the engine of rapid, sustained growth.

The trajectory above is the UN's medium scenario. Wars, policy shifts, economic change and migration can all move the numbers, but the broad shape, growth followed by an eventual peak, is robust across the main variants.