Country Profile · No. 29

Madagascar

Capital / Admin Capital

AntananarivoPopulation: ~30.3MIndependence: 1960 (June 26)

First President

Philibert Tsiranana (1960–1972)Current President: Andry Rajoelina (Serving since December 2018)

Geography & Borders

Island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of mainland Africa, separated by the Mozambique Channel. The world's second-largest island country.

Demographics & Language

Traditional indigenous beliefs blended with Christianity (~85%). Official: Malagasy language, French language. Major groups: Merina (~26%), Betsimisaraka (~15%), Betsileo (~12%).

Economy & GDP

Agriculture (world leader in vanilla and clove production, coffee), sapphire and gemstone mining, eco-tourism, textile manufacturing.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~150k), 2. Comoros (~30k), 3. Canada (~5k), 4. United States (~5k–8k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): California (Los Angeles), New York, Washington D.C.

Major Conflicts

Merina Kingdom unification wars (late 18th/19th century), Franco-Hova Wars (1883–1895 leading to French colonial annexation), Malagasy Uprising (1947–1948, bloody anti-colonial rebellion).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Avenue of the Baobabs (Striking dirt road framed by massive, centuries-old giant baobab trees), 2. Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (Breathtaking UNESCO limestone needle forest featuring dramatic spires and suspension bridges), 3. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Lush rainforest reserve famous as the echoing habitat of the indri, the world's largest lemur species).

Quick Facts

Separated from the Indian subcontinent over 85 million years ago, allowing over 90% of its wildlife (including hundreds of lemur species) to evolve in complete isolation found nowhere else on Earth.