MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is a large island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It's the world's fourth-largest island with a population of around 28 million people. The official languages are Malagasy and French. The country's culture is a blend of African, Asian, and European influences.

Antananarivo is the administrative capital and largest city of Madagascar. It is located in the highlands region, near the geographic center of the island. 

Madagascar has been subject to colonization by several nations including the Portuguese, Dutch, English and finally the French. The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on 14 October 1958, as an autonomous state within the French Community. A period of provisional government ended with the adoption of a constitution in 1959 and full independence on 26 June 1960. On 20 September 1960, Madagascar became a member state of the United Nations.

Despite substantial economic growth since the early 2000s, quality of life remains very low for the majority of the population. According to the World Food Programme, as of January 2025, 1.31 million citizens faced high levels of food insecurity and more than 90% of its 28 million people lived on less than $3.10 per day. Approximately 69% of the population lives below the national poverty line threshold of one dollar per day.

The country ranks fourth in the world in terms of chronic malnutrition. Nearly one in two children under the age of five is stunted. In addition, Madagascar is among the five countries where access to water is the most difficult for the population. According to the NGO WaterAid, at least twelve million people do not have access to clean water.

Madagascar is known for its high levels of biodiversity and unique wildlife, with many endemic animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth. Approximately 90% of all plant and animal species found in Madagascar are endemic. 

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar and have been characterized as "Madagascar's flagship mammal species" by Conservation International. As of 2012, there were officially 103 species and subspecies of lemur. A number of other mammals, including the catlike fossa, are endemic to Madagascar. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on the island, of which over 60% (including four families and 42 genera) are endemic.

90% of the reptiles in Madagascar are endemic. The island is home to two-thirds of the world's chameleon species, including the smallest known.

More than 80% of Madagascar's 14,883 plant species are found nowhere else in the world, including five plant families. 

Tourism is a significant source of foreign income for Madagascar, and Malagasy government is actively working to revive and promote tourism as a key driver of economic development. 

Tourism focuses on the niche eco-tourism market, capitalizing on Madagascar's unique biodiversity, unspoiled natural habitats, national parks and lemur species. 

An estimated 180,000 tourists visited Madagascar in 2010, but the sector has been growing steadily for the last few years. A major government goal is to attract one million tourists by 2028, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive eco-tourism practices.