Madagascar’s population rose to 32.7 m people in 2025.

Neither way is good in itself. A larger population means a bigger workforce and a bigger domestic market, and it also means more people needing food, housing, schooling and health care. A smaller one eases that pressure and shrinks the pool of workers and customers. The latest figure is 32.7 million people in Jan 2025, up from 32 million a year earlier, a rise of 0.78 million or 2.4%. Since 2016 the low was 26.1 million in 2016, so the population now sits at the top of its range for the period, and each year in between has added to the total.

Why it matters. Growth of 2.4% in a year means roughly 0.78 million more people to feed, school and employ in Madagascar. Households feel it in crowded classrooms and a larger number of young people looking for work. Firms gain more potential customers and workers, and the state has to expand schools, clinics and infrastructure just to keep services at their current level per person.