Madagascar Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Madagascar is a country in East Africa, Africa, covering a total area of 587,041 km². It has a coastline of 4,828 km along the East Africa coast. It is an island nation with no land borders.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Africa
geographical continent
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Region
East Africa
sub-region
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Total Area
587,041 km²
land coverage
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Pop. Density
49/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
4,828 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+3
UTC offset
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Independence
1960
year established
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Climate
Tropical, dry season April–October
general type

Where is Madagascar Located?

Madagascar is situated in East Africa, within the broader continent of Africa. The country has a coastline of 4,828 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Madagascar's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Antananarivo, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the East Africa region, Madagascar sits alongside countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania.

Size and Area of Madagascar

Madagascar covers a total area of 587,041 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 28.9M across this territory, the population density works out at 49/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Madagascar

The climate of Madagascar is tropical, dry season april–october. The most favourable time to visit is April–October, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Madagascar's Geography

Where is Madagascar located?

Madagascar is located in East Africa, Africa. The capital city is Antananarivo.

How large is Madagascar?

Madagascar has a total area of 587,041 km² with a population density of 49/km².

What countries border Madagascar?

Madagascar is an island nation and has no land borders.

Does Madagascar have a coastline?

Yes, Madagascar has a coastline of 4,828 km.

What is the climate of Madagascar?

The climate of Madagascar is Tropical, dry season April–October. The best time to visit is April–October.

What timezone is Madagascar in?

Madagascar observes UTC+3 timezone.

What continent is Madagascar in?

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

When did Madagascar become independent?

Madagascar gained independence in 1960.

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