Madagascar: flag, capital, currency and history
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Antananarivo. The currency is the Malagasy ariary. Languages spoken include French and Malagasy.
Quick facts about Madagascar
- Official name
- Republic of Madagascar
- Capital
- Antananarivo
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Malagasy ariary (MGA, Ar)
- Languages
- French, Malagasy
- Calling code
- +261
- Internet domain
- .mg
- Area
- 587,041 km² (226,658 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Malagasy
- National day
- Independence Day, June 26
Flag of Madagascar
Download the flag of Madagascar as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇬.
History of Madagascar
Madagascar was settled by Austronesian seafarers and later by Bantu-speaking peoples from East Africa, in the first millennium AD. Several kingdoms formed over time, and in the late 18th century the Merina kingdom of the central highlands expanded under Andrianampoinimerina and his son Radama I. France fought wars against the island in the 1880s and declared it a colony in 1896. Independence came on 26 June 1960. The country has experienced periods of political upheaval since then, including a change of government in 1972 and several later crises. It is a republic.
Key dates
- c. 700Austronesian and Bantu-speaking settlers have begun to populate the island by about this period.
- 1787Andrianampoinimerina becomes ruler of the Merina kingdom around this time and begins unifying the highlands.
- 1817Radama I of the Merina kingdom signs a treaty with Britain.
- 1883France begins military operations against the Merina kingdom.
- 1896France declares Madagascar a colony.
- 1960Madagascar becomes independent on 26 June.
- 1972Mass protests lead to the end of the first republic's government.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Madagascar
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (MGA, Ar). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Madagascar?
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.
What currency does Madagascar use?
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (MGA, symbol Ar).
What languages are spoken in Madagascar?
Languages used in Madagascar include French and Malagasy.
What is the calling code of Madagascar?
The international calling code of Madagascar is +261. Its internet domain is .mg.
Which countries border Madagascar?
Madagascar has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Madagascar?
Madagascar is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Madagascar?
Madagascar marks Independence Day on June 26.
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).