- Population:
- 31,965,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Madagascar was settled by Austronesian and African peoples before European contact in the 16th century. It became a French colony in 1897 and gained independence in 1960. The country has experienced political instability but remains known for its unique biodiversity, with a growing focus on conservation and ecotourism.
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the world's fourth-largest island, covering an area of approximately 592,800 square kilometers. As of 2024, Madagascar has a population of about 31.9 million people. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo. The official languages are Malagasy and French. Madagascar operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and tourism. Madagascar is renowned for its unique biodiversity, with over 90% of its wildlife being endemic, including lemurs and baobab trees. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community.