Madagascar or the Republic of Madagascar was originally known as the Malagasy Republic. Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Madagascar or the Republic of Madagascar was originally known as the Malagasy Republic. Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is located at a little distance from the southeastern coast of Africa. The main island is also called Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world. It is home to five percent of the world's plant and animal species and this amount to more than 80 percent of belonging to Madagascar. The species that you can find are the lemur, the carnivorous fossa, the infra order of primates, three endemic bird families and six baobab species of endemic.

The Indonesians are believed to have migrated to the island in about 700. King Andrianampoinimerina (1787–1810) ruled the kingdom and his son, Radama I (1810–1828), unified a huge chunk of the island. It was the French that made the island a protectorate in 1885. In 1894–1895 monarchy had come to an end after the Queen Rānavālona III was exiled to Algiers. During the World War II, the British captured Madagascar that retained ties to the Vichy France.

Madagascar is the world's 46th-largest country with a land area of 226,642 mi˛ (587,040 km˛). It is comparable in size to Kenya and Madagascar is one of 11 distinct physiographic provinces of the South African Platform physiographic division.In the east you will find a steep escarpment that leads from the central highlands down into a rain forest. There is also a narrow coastal when you move further east.

Madagascar has a mixed Austronesian and African origin. The Pacific Islanders are the minority and their habitat is found in the highland regions.

About 45% of the people of Madagascar are Christians. The Christian community is divided evenly between the Catholics and Protestants. There are many who incorporate the cult of the dead and have the traditional burial rites. They are also many who invite a pastor to attend the famadihana. The Roman Catholic church is open to all its members and continue these practices.

The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin. This is the language that prevails throughout the island. French is spoken among those who are the educated ones. This is primarily so because it was formerly a French colony.

Authentic online information on Madagascar is offered only at travel.mapsofworld.