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East Africa · Africa

Madagascar

Madagasikara
Capital
Antananarivo
Population
28.9M
Area
587,041 km²
Language
Malagasy / French

Madagascar is a country in East Africa, Africa. Its capital is Antananarivo, with a population of approximately 28.9M and a total area of 587,041 km². The official languages are Malagasy / French and the currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).

📊 Quick Facts about Madagascar

👥
Population
28.9M
total residents
📐
Total Area
587,041 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
49/km²
people per km²
💰
GDP (nominal)
$14.5B
total output
💵
GDP per Capita
$502
per person
💱
Currency
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
legal tender
🗣️
Language(s)
Malagasy / French
official
🌊
Coastline
4,828 km
total shore
🕐
Timezone
UTC+3
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1960
established
🕐
Local Time in Antananarivo

Madagascar covers an area of 587,041 km² with a population density of 49/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $14.5B ($502 per capita) and gained independence in 1960. It has a coastline of 4,828 km.

Did You Know?

Madagascar is one of the world's most extraordinary biodiversity hotspots, 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth. The island has been isolated for 88 million years, allowing evolution to take a completely different path.

See all 14+ facts about Madagascar

✈️ Travel Information for Madagascar

📅
Best Time to Visit
April–October
Tropical, dry season April–October
💸
Cost of Travel
Budget
vs global average
🛂
Visa
Visa on arrival
entry requirements

⚠️ Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before travel.

Full Madagascar travel guide: visa, costs, plug, safety →

📍 Madagascar on the Map

🌍
📍 Antananarivo, Madagascar
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🏆 Madagascar World Rankings

1st
Endemism
90% of wildlife found nowhere else on Earth
4th
Island Size
4th largest island in the world
1st
Lemurs
Only place on Earth where lemurs live in the wild
1st
Baobabs
Home to 6 of the world's 8 baobab species

🏛 Must-See Places in Madagascar

⚖️ Compare Madagascar with another country

See how Madagascar stacks up against its neighbours and peers. Each comparison shows population, area, GDP, language, currency and more, side by side.

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Madagascar vs Kenya
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Madagascar vs Ethiopia
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Madagascar vs Tanzania
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Madagascar vs Burundi
Or compare any two countries →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Madagascar

What is the capital of Madagascar?

The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.

What continent is Madagascar in?

Madagascar is located in Africa, in the East Africa region.

What currency does Madagascar use?

Madagascar uses the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). The international calling code is +261.

What is the GDP of Madagascar?

Madagascar has a GDP of $14.5B, with a GDP per capita of $502.

🌍 Explore More Countries in East Africa

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Dodoma
Burundi
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