Madagascar - Political Map of Madagascar

Madagascar Facts and Country Information...

Republic of Madagascar, or Madagascar, as it is commonly referred to as is an Island nation located off the southeastern coats of Africa. The main Island is not just the fourth largest island worldwide but it also has about five percent of the world's animal species and plants. The main Island is also referred to as Madagascar. The country is the 46th-largest nation in the world and it is a little bigger than France. There are certain plants and animals in Madagascar that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Sometimes, ecologists refer to this nation as the "eight continent".

Since the seventies, the fauna and flora of the country has been gradually disappearing because of the activities of human beings. As of now, about 18% is still remains. The chief source of income for Madagascar is agriculture and this includes forestry and fishing. The country also exports livestock products, tapioca, bananas, vanilla, coffee, etc. Many people are not aware but Madagascar is the largest producer as well as the exporter of vanilla in the world.

People living in Madagascar are of African and mixed Austronesian origin. The language spoken in the country is the Malagasy language and many educated citizens can also speak in French.

The people from Madagascar are called Malagasy.