Madagascar is a huge island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. It's home to thousands of animal species, such as lemurs, found nowhere else, plus rainforests, beaches and reefs. Near the busy capital, Antananarivo, is Ambohimanga, a hillside complex of royal palaces and burial grounds, as well as the “Avenue of the Baobabs,” a dirt road lined by massive centuries-old trees.
Languages: English (official), French (official), Malagasy (official)
Ethnic Groups: Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
Belief Systems: indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%
Demographics:
Population: 23.2 million people (World Rank: 53rd) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 103 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 176th) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 2.86 %/yr (World Rank: 18th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 64.7 years (World Rank: 180th) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 18 years (World Rank: 176th) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Madagascar
Worldatlas.com
Country Profile for Madagascar
United Nations
Current News About Madagascar
AllAfrica.com
Tourism:
Madagascar - Facts and Information 1
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Madagascar - Facts and Information 2
U.S. Library of Congress
Madagascar - Facts and Information 3
Encyclopedia.com
Traveling to Madagascar
Africaguide.com
Language Resources:
Learn the language of Madagascar
Government Related:
Madagascar Embassy
in Washington D.C.
Madagascar Government Web Sites
by Gunnar Anzinger
