Madagascar

About Madagascar

Capital

Antananarivo

Continent

Independence Date

26 June 1960

Official Language	Afrikaans
Second Language	English
Population	~31 million
Passport Color	Green
Passport Rank	#83
Dialing Code	261
Country TLD	.mg

Madagascar Overview

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar (Malagasy: Repoblikan’i Madagasikara), is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the world’s fourth-largest island and is separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

Madagascar is world-renowned for its exceptional biodiversity—over 90% of its wildlife species are found nowhere else on Earth. The island is home to lemurs, unique reptiles, and an extraordinary range of plants. Its economy is driven by agriculture, textiles, and mining, and it is one of Africa’s leading producers of vanilla, cloves, and precious stones.

The official languages are Malagasy and French, and the national currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Madagascar’s rich cultural heritage blends African, Asian, and French influences, reflected in its cuisine, traditions, and architecture.

Quick Facts About Madagascar

Coordinates	18.7669° S, 46.8691° E
Bordering Countries	None (Island Nation – Indian Ocean)
Region / Continent	Africa (East Africa / Indian Ocean)
Total Area	~587,041 sq km
Population Density	~47 people per sq km
Highest Point	Maromokotro – 2,876 m
Major Rivers	Betsiboka, Tsiribihina, Mangoky
Climate Type	Tropical along the coast, temperate inland, arid in the south
Famous For	Lemurs, rainforests, vanilla, unique biodiversity
Major Landmarks	Avenue of the Baobabs, Isalo National Park, Nosy Be, Tsingy de Bemaraha
Official Languages	Malagasy, French
Currency	Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Government Type	Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic
Time Zone	UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
Major Exports	Vanilla, coffee, cloves, nickel, cobalt
Visitor Entry	Visa required (available on arrival for many nationalities)