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Madagascar
Africa
The world's fourth-largest island, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. Agriculture, particularly vanilla, plays a key role in its economy.
30,000,000
Population
587,041
Area (km²)
Antananarivo
Capital
15
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
15 Events
September 04, 2025 - The Forello Expo opens in Antananarivo, serving as a major economic event for food processing and trade in the Indian Ocean region.
August 03, 2025 - Madagascar hosts the 45th SADC Summit in Antananarivo, with President Rajoelina assuming the rotating presidency of the Southern African Development Community, focusing on regional integration and security.
July 22, 2025 - The World Bank approves the TALIM Project to improve learning outcomes for 4.7 million primary students, addressing systemic education challenges.
May 27, 2025 - Airtel Madagascar secures a major telecommunications license or partnership, enhancing mobile and digital services amid economic reforms.
January 11, 2025 - Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi makes landfall in northern Madagascar near Vohemar and Antsiranana, killing at least three people, affecting over 7,000, and causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
December 11, 2024 - Communal and municipal elections see Rajoelina's coalition dominate, winning over 960 of 1,695 mayoral positions.
September 01, 2024 - Throughout the year: Violence by dahalo (cattle rustlers) surges, with September marking the most violent month, including kidnappings, village burnings, and extrajudicial killings by security forces; at least 20% of incidents occur near the capital Analamanga.
July 26, 2024 - Madagascar participates in the Paris Summer Olympics, sending athletes in athletics, judo, swimming, and taekwondo, but wins no medals.
May 29, 2024 - Legislative elections are held for 163 seats in the National Assembly; Rajoelina's coalition secures a majority amid ongoing opposition concerns over electoral fairness.
April 01, 2024 - Tropical Cyclone Gamane strikes the northeast, affecting over 220,000 people and leaving thousands in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including shelter and food.
November 16, 2023 - Incumbent President Andry Rajoelina wins re-election with over 58% of the vote in a disputed first-round victory; the election is boycotted by major opposition parties, leading to low turnout and international criticism.
November 09, 2023 - Presidential elections are postponed from November 9 to November 16 due to logistical issues.
March 01, 2023 - The government bans public protests amid rising political tensions ahead of elections, with heavy-handed responses to demonstrations.
February 21, 2023 - Tropical Cyclone Freddy makes landfall on the east coast near Mananjary, as part of the record-breaking longest cyclone in the southern hemisphere (formed February 6), causing heavy rains, flooding, and at least four deaths in Madagascar before affecting neighboring countries.
January 19, 2023 - Cyclone Cheneso makes landfall in northern Madagascar, killing at least 25 people and leaving about 40,000 homeless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madagascar
100 Questions
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa.
The capital is Antananarivo, often called “Tana.”
Around 31 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Malagasy and French are official; English is also spoken in some areas.
Tropical along the coast, temperate in the highlands, and arid in the south.
The Malagasy ariary (MGA).
White vertical stripe, with red (top) and green (bottom) horizontal bands.
Antananarivo, Toamasina, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, and Mahajanga.
On June 26, 1960, from France.
Philibert Tsiranana.
Andry Rajoelina (as of 2025).
A semi-presidential republic.
Merina, Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, Sakalava, and others.
Christianity (majority), traditional beliefs, and Islam (minority).
Around $19 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $600.
Around 74%.
About 67 years.
Around 4 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Vanilla, cloves, coffee, lychees, nickel, and cobalt.
Fuel, machinery, food, and consumer goods.
Nickel, cobalt, graphite, gemstones, and fertile land.
Because of its red soil and unique landscapes.
Capital city, center of government, culture, and economy.
Major port on the east coast.
Port city in the northwest, important for fishing and trade.
Highland city, known for rickshaws and thermal springs.
Maromokotro (2,876 m).
Unique biodiversity, with over 90% of wildlife found nowhere else.
Rice, cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes.
A traditional dish of cassava leaves and pork.
A meat and leafy greens stew, considered the national dish.
Ranovola (burnt rice water), local rum, and tea.
Football, rugby, and athletics.
Barea (named after zebu cattle).
Yes, debuting in 2019 and reaching the quarterfinals.
Not yet.
Faneva ImĂ Andriatsima and Carolus Andriamatsinoro.
Yes, mostly in athletics and judo.
Salegy, hira gasy, and traditional folk, along with Afro-pop.
Fast-paced music from the northwest, using electric guitars and percussion.
Valiha (bamboo zither), kabosy (box guitar), and drums.
A traditional performance of music, dance, and storytelling.
The lamba, a wraparound cloth worn by both men and women.
They are active in farming, markets, and families but face gender inequality.
Around 70%.
Around 77%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 70%.
Rice, cassava, coffee, vanilla, and cloves.
Zebu cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry.
Weak, especially in rural areas, with limited infrastructure.
Malaria, plague, TB, and diarrheal diseases.
It is one of the few countries where bubonic plague still occurs.
High, but declining.
High, due to poor access to healthcare.
“Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô” (“Oh, Beloved Land of Our Ancestors”).
“Love, Homeland, Progress.”
The zebu (humped cattle).
The Madagascar fish eagle.
The royal poinciana (Delonix regia).
Lemurs, chameleons, fossas, baobabs, and unique birds.
The lemur, found only on the island.
Andasibe-Mantadia, Isalo, Ranomafana, and Masoala.
Home to the indri, the largest living lemur.
Sandstone canyons and unique landscapes.
Rainforest biodiversity, including rare lemurs.
Rainforests, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity.
Around 80%, higher than adults.
Around $600 annually.
Declining slowly but still high.
Around 40%, with most people in rural areas.
Heavily dependent on subsistence farming.
Hydropower, biomass, and imported fuel.
High in solar, wind, and hydro.
Poverty and reliance on agriculture.
Instability and corruption.
Strong economic and cultural ties.
Major investor in infrastructure and mining.
Supports political stability and development.
Provides humanitarian and development aid.
High but stabilizing.
Moderate, highest in central highlands.
Weaving, wood carving, jewelry, and basketry.
Central in Malagasy culture, influencing rituals and daily life.
The “turning of the bones” ceremony, where families rewrap and celebrate ancestors.
Independence Day (June 26), famadihana, and regional celebrations.
A cultural music and dance festival held on Nosy Be island.
An international jazz festival held in Antananarivo.
Around 7% difference.
Around 6 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
Reducing malaria and maternal mortality.
Low enrollment and underfunded schools.
Rapid, with a very young population.
Mining, tourism, and textiles.
Lemurs, baobabs, beaches, and rainforests.
Promising if political stability and conservation improve.
It is a biodiversity hotspot, cultural treasure, and unique island nation with global ecological importance.