Presentation
The Republic of Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar, is the fourth largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 percent of them unique to Madagascar. Among its most notable examples of biodiversity are the lemur family of primates and its baobab trees.
| Capital | Antananarivo |
| Official languages | Malagasy, French, English |
| Government | Republic |
| President | Marc Ravalomanana |
| Prime Minister | Charles RABEMANANJARA |
| Independence | 26 June 1960 |
| Area | 587,040 km² |
| Population | 17,501,871 (est 2004) |
| Density | 31/km² |
| GDP | Total $16,323 million (est 2005) |
| HDI | 0.499 (2003) |
| Currency | Malagasy Ariary (MGA) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 |
| Internet TLD | .mg |
| Calling code | + 261 |
| Malagasy motto | Tanindrazana, Fahafahana, Fandrosoana (Fatherland, Liberty, Progress) |
| Anthem | Ry Tanindraza nay malala ô (Oh, Our Beloved Fatherland) |
Madagascar Consulate General in South Africa