Madagascar
History
Austronesian seafarers settled the island, later joined by Bantu arrivals.
The Merina kingdom unified most of the island from Antananarivo.
France annexed the island as a colony.
Independence came on 26 June.
A socialist republic governed under Didier Ratsiraka.
Part ofAfricaMore countries, cities and routes.Short facts
RegionEast Africa / Indian Ocean Africa
LanguageFrench, Malagasy
Time zoneEAT (UTC+3)
Drives onRight
Worth seeing
- Tsingy de Bemaraha: Limestone pinnacle forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Avenue of the Baobabs: A stand of Grandidier's baobabs on the road near Morondava.
- Andasibe-Mantadia: Rainforest where the indri, the largest living lemur, calls at dawn.
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AntananarivoPlanning questions
What is Madagascar known for?Tsingy de Bemaraha, Avenue of the Baobabs, Andasibe-Mantadia.
What is the capital?Antananarivo.
Which language is useful?French, Malagasy.
When is the national day?26 June.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.
Upcoming events
Madagascar National Day26 June 2027 — Across Madagascar — MadagascarUse Antananarivo as the first planning anchor for Madagascar, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.
Food & drink
Street food
CoffeeKnown for
Tsingy de BemarahaAvenue of the BaobabsAndasibe-MantadiaAntananarivoStreet foodCoffee
Music & Culture