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.
Find a city in Madagascar
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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
Use 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