Madagascar

• Capital of Madagascar: Antananarivo
• Total Area: 587,041 km² (226,658 mi²) (Rank 48)
• Population: 30,325,732 (Rank 49) - (2024 estimate)
• Location: Off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean
• Languages of Madagascar: Malagasy (official), French (official)
• Religions in Madagascar: Christian 85.3%, Muslim 3%, traditional beliefs 4.5%, unaffiliated 6.9%, other 0.3%
• Ethnic groups in Madagascar: Merina 26%, Betsimisaraka 15%, Betsileo 12%, Tsimihety 7%, Sakalava 6%, Antaisaka 5%, Antandroy 5%, other Malagasy groups 24%, Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese, French less than 1%
• Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
• Time zone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
• Calling code: (+261)
• Organizations: United Nations, African Union, Southern African Development Community
• Border countries: None (island nation)
• Coastline: 4,828 km (3,000 mi)
• Maritime boundaries: Indian Ocean, Mozambique Channel

Major Cities and Regions of Madagascar

1. Antananarivo

• Region: Analamanga region.
• Description: The capital and largest city of Madagascar. Located in the central highlands of the island at an altitude of 1,280 meters above sea level. Famous for the former Rova royal palace and the historic Andafiavaratra Palace. Known locally as "Tana" and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.

2. Toamasina

• Region: Atsinanana region.
• Description: The largest port in Madagascar, located on the east coast. Known as "Tamatave" during the colonial era. Famous for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and serves as the main gateway for export and import in the country.

3. Antsirabe

• Region: Vakinankaratra region.
• Description: The third largest city in Madagascar, located in the central highlands. Famous for its hot mineral springs and spa resorts. Its name means "place of much salt" and serves as an important industrial center for the country.

4. Fianarantsoa

• Region: Haute Matsiatra region.
• Description: A city in the southern highlands, considered the cultural and educational capital of southern Madagascar. Its name means "good education" and is known as a center for higher education and wine production in the region.

5. Mahajanga

• Region: Boeny region.
• Description: A major port on the northwest coast, the second largest port in the country. Famous for its 700-year-old giant baobab tree and beautiful beaches. Serves as a center for tourism and agriculture in the region.

6. Toliara

• Region: Atsimo-Andrefana region.
• Description: A city on the southwest coast, famous for its coral reefs and rich marine life. Known as "Tuléar" and serves as a gateway to national parks in the south and a center for marine tourism.

7. Antsiranana

• Region: Diana region.
• Description: A deep natural harbor in northernmost Madagascar, formerly known as "Diégo Suarez". Famous for its beautiful bays and scenic landscapes, serving as a strategic naval base.

8. Morondava

• Region: Menabe region.
• Description: A city on the west coast, famous for the Avenue of the Baobabs lined with ancient giant baobab trees. Serves as a gateway to national parks in the west and a popular tourist destination.