Madagascar

**Madagascar** is a large island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is off of the East coast of Africa and its capital is Antananarivo. Twenty-two million people live there. It is the world's fourth-largest island.

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French.

## Pre-human history

About two hundred million years ago, Madagascar was a part of a huge supercontinent called Pangaea. When this broke up, Madagascar was attached to what is now the Indian subcontinent. Madagascar broke away from India and moved closer to Africa.

The long history of separation from other continents has allowed plants and animals on the island to evolve in relative isolation. Many of its animals came from Africa, because the island is closer to Africa than to India. Many of these endemic Malagasy animals have died out since the arrival of humans, particularly the megafauna.

Despite this, and massive deforestation, Madagascar is still home to an incredible array of wildlife. Most of the wildlife is unique.

## Environment

Madagascar is home to many species that were not known to Europeans about until around 1679 when Dutch explorers went there. They do not exist elsewhere in Africa. They only exist in Madagascar. In fact, most of the mammals living in Madagascar do not live anywhere else in the world.

Many species in Madagascar are in danger because much of the forest has been cut down. Forests are cut down, so the land can grow crops such as coffee, which is an important export crop for Madagascar.

## Economy

Agriculture is a big part of the economy in Madagascar, including the growing of coffee and vanilla. Madagascar sells more vanilla than any other country in the world. Madagascar also makes money from tourism.

## Provinces

In 2004 Madagascar was divided into 22 regions.  It used to be divided into 6 provinces.

## Human history

People have probably lived in Madagascar for at least 2000 years.

France took over the city of Antananarivo in 1895, and added Madagascar as a colony two years later. Madagascar became independent on 26 June, 1960.

## Since independence

In June 2025, the Franco-Malagasy Joint Commission will meet. This commission is responsible for deciding on the return of the Scattered Islands to Madagascar.

In regard to being a member of the African Union: As of October 2025, its membership has been suspended.

## Related pages

- Madagascar at the Olympics
- Madagascar national football team

## Other websites

- Photos of Madagascar 

## Infobox (country)

- **conventional long name**: Republic of Madagascar
- **common name**: Madagascar
- **image flag**: Flag of Madagascar.svg
- **image coat**: Seal of Madagascar.svg
- **symbol type**: Seal of Madagascar, Seal
- **national anthem**: _Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô!_

- **image map**: Location Madagascar AU Africa.svg
- **capital**: Antananarivo
- **largest city**: Antananarivo
- **ethnic groups year**: 2004
- **demonym**: Malagasy people, Malagasy
- **government type**: Unitary state, Unitary Semi-presidential system, semi-presidential constitutional republic
- **leader title1**: List of Presidents of Madagascar, Interim President
- **leader name1**: Michael Randrianirina
- **leader title2**: Prime Minister of Madagascar, Prime Minister
- **leader name2**: Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo
- **legislature**: Parliament of Madagascar, Parliament
- **upper house**: Senate of Madagascar, Senate
- **lower house**: National Assembly of Madagascar, National Assembly
- **sovereignty type**: Independence
- **established event1**: from France
- **established date1**: 26 June 1960
- **established event2**: Malagasy constitutional referendum, 2010, Current constitution
- **established date2**: 17 November 2010
- **area km2**: 587,041
- **area rank**: 46th
- **area sq mi**: 226,597
- **percent water**: 0.9%
- **population census**: 12,238,914
- **population estimate rank**: 52nd
- **population census year**: 1993
- **population density km2**: 35.2
- **population density sq mi**: 91.1
- **population density rank**: 174th
- **gdp ppp**: $40.055 billion
- **gdp ppp year**: 2017
- **gdp ppp per capita**: $1,563
- **gdp nominal**: $10.372 billion
- **gdp nominal year**: 2017
- **gdp nominal per capita**: $405
- **gini**: 44.1
- **gini year**: 2010
- **hdi**: 0.512
- **hdi year**: 2015
- **hdi change**: increase
- **hdi rank**: 158th
- **currency**: Malagasy ariary
- **currency code**: MGA
- **time zone**: East Africa Time, EAT
- **utc offset**: +3
- **utc offset dst**: +3
- **drives on**: Right- and left-hand traffic, right
- **calling code**: +261
- **cctld**: .mg
- **area water km2**: 5501