Madagascar

1500s (Early 16th Century) – Portuguese exploration of Madagascar

1896 (August 9, Sunday) – French colonization of Madagascar

1960 (June 26, Monday) – Independence from France

1972 (April 5, Wednesday) – Socialist revolution leads to the establishment of a Marxist-Leninist state

1992 (November 19, Thursday) – Transition to democracy following a popular uprising

2009 (March 17, Tuesday) – Political crisis results in a military coup and the rise of Andry Rajoelina

2013 (December 20, Friday) – End of political transition period and presidential elections

2020 (April 28, Tuesday) – COVID-19 pandemic reaches Madagascar, lockdown measures imposed

2021 (March 10, Wednesday) – Severe drought affects the southern regions, leading to food shortages

2022 (January 19, Wednesday) – Cyclone Ana hits Madagascar, causing widespread flooding and destruction

2023 (December 15, Friday) – Cyclone Batsirai causes further damage to infrastructure and agriculture in coastal regions

April 2024 (Monday) – Flooding in the eastern and southern parts of Madagascar following heavy rainfall

Continent: Africa
Location: Off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean
Capital: Antananarivo
Language: Malagasy (official), French, English
Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Population: ~30.4 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)

Borders: Madagascar is an island nation, so it has no land borders
Landscape: Highlands, plateaus, tropical forests, coastal plains
Major Rivers: Betsiboka River, Tsiribihina River, Onilahy River
Major Mountains: Maromokotro (highest point), Andringitra Massif, Tsaratanana Massif
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Alaotra, Lake Tritriva, Lake Ihotry
Volcanoes: Mount Isalo, Mount Ankaratra, Mount Lokobe
Highest Point: Maromokotro – 2,876 m (9,436 ft)
Lowest Point: Indian Ocean – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October
Geological Features: Coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, limestone formations

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Malagasy (90%), French, Indian, and others
Religion: Christian (approx. 41%), indigenous beliefs (approx. 52%), Muslim (approx. 7%)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Unique biodiversity, lemurs, vanilla, rich oral traditions
Cuisine: Rice, zebu meat, fish, lasary (salads), sambos (fried pastry)
Arts: Traditional music and dance, wood carving, basket weaving
Sports: Football (soccer), rugby, volleyball

Economy Type: Low-income economy, agriculture-based
GDP: Approx. $14 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (vanilla, cloves, coffee), mining, textiles, tourism
Key Exports: Vanilla, cloves, coffee, textiles, minerals
Unemployment Rate: ~3.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agriculture in the central highlands, mining and industry in the south and east

Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Andry Rajoelina (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Christian Ntsay (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (National Assembly & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 2010, with amendments in 2015

Antananarivo: Royal Palace, Rova of Antananarivo
Nosy Be: Beaches, diving, and marine biodiversity
Avenue of the Baobabs: Iconic trees, popular tourist site
Isalo National Park: Sandstone formations, hiking, lemur spotting
Tsingy de Bemaraha: UNESCO World Heritage site with sharp limestone formations
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Rainforests, endemic wildlife, including indri lemurs