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)