Madagascar

Interesting Facts About Madagascar

• Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island and the second-largest island country.
• The Malagasy ethnic group forms over 90% of the population and is divided into 18 ethnic subgroups.
• The genetic makeup of the average Malagasy person is approximately an equal blend of Southeast Asian and East African genes.
• The Merina of the Central Highlands form the largest ethnic subgroup at approximately 26% of the population.
• The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and derives from Southeast Barito languages, with the Ma'anyan language being its closest relative.
• French is widely spoken as a second language among the educated population and is used for international communication.
• Almost 60% of Madagascar's population live in rural areas, with the most densely populated regions being the Eastern Highlands and Eastern Coast.

View Antananarivo guide