THE COUNTRY

Madagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on earth settled by humans. Madagascar was a pirate stronghold during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The island was conquered by the French in 1896 who made it a colony. Independence was regained in 1960.

Ile Sainte Marie;
Isalo National Park;
Tsingy de Bemaraha;
Avenue of the Baobabs;
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

Private Jets, Helicopters and Airliners
Finest Onboard Catering
Ground Transport and Yachts
Luxury Villa & House Rentals
Local Guide & 24/7 Assistance
Customized Global Services

TO BE KNOWN

The State's Capital

Antananarivo
Time Zone

UTC +3
Telephone Code

261
Total Area

587 041 Km2
Population

28 812 195 (2023 est.)
Main Languages

French, Malagasy, English
Currency

Malagasy ariary (MGA)
GDP Per Capita

USD 1500
Airports

83

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate

Tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Ethnic Groups

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka

Cultural Practices

The left hand is considered unclean so try to avoid using it for gift giving or introductions.

Traditional Cuisine

Romazava — beef and green leaves stew

National Economy

Low-income East African island economy; natural resource rich; extreme poverty; return of political stability has helped growth; sharp tax revenue drop due to COVID-19; leading vanilla producer; environmentally fragile