Madagascar

East Africa

Madagascar is a country in East Africa, home to 31.9 million people, with an area of 587,041 km². Its capital is Antananarivo.

Capital: Antananarivo
Population: 31.9 million
Area: 587,041 km²
Region: East Africa
Density: 54.3 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Madagascar · East Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Madagascar is known for

Madagascar is best known for Avenue of the Baobabs, Andasibe and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is known for its unique biodiversity, with many species of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else on Earth. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

Madagascar at a glance

Language: Malagasy and French are the official languages, with many indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Religion: Christianity and traditional religions are the predominant religions in Madagascar
National dish: Ravitoto (pork or beef stew with cassava leaves) served with rice
Climate: Madagascar has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The east coast is humid and wet, while the west coast is dry and arid
Main industries: Agriculture, including vanilla and rice production; tourism; fishing; and mining, including gemstones and chromite
GDP: $14.4 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Madagascar is considered a low-income country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 168 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Madagascar

Some of the main tourist attractions in Madagascar include:

Avenue of the Baobabs a scenic road lined with giant baobab trees that are over 800 years old.
Andasibe Mantadia National Park: a national park known for its lemurs, chameleons, and other unique wildlife.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations and diverse wildlife.
Nosy Be a popular island destination known for its beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife.
Isalo National Park a national park known for its canyons, sandstone formations, and unique wildlife.
Ranomafana National Park a national park known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and endemic wildlife.
Ankarana Reserve a reserve known for its limestone formations, caves, and unique wildlife.
Ifaty Beach a popular beach destination known for its coral reefs, diving, and snorkeling.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace located on a hill overlooking Antananarivo.
Toliara a coastal city known for its beaches, fishing, and proximity to national parks.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Madagascar has to offer. The country is also known for its unique culture, including traditional music, dance, and handicrafts.

Madagascar in pictures

Madagascar on video

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Madagascar compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Mozambique	34.6 million	801,590 km²	Maputo
Madagascar	31.9 million	587,041 km²	Antananarivo
Malawi	21.3 million	118,484 km²	Lilongwe
Zambia	21.3 million	752,612 km²	Lusaka