Madagascar

Madagascar is a large island country off the southeast coast of Africa. It is the fourth biggest island in the world. Madagascar has plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, its most famous animals, are only found there.

Land and People

About 29 million people live in Madagascar. The capital is Antananarivo. The island has rainforests on the east, dry forests in the west, and spiny deserts in the south. It broke away from Africa about 160 million years ago.

Girls from the highlands of Madagascar.
Girls from the highlands of Madagascar. (Saveoursmile (Hery Zo Rakotondramanana) / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Over 100 species of lemurs live only in Madagascar. The island also has chameleons, baobab trees, and many unique plants. Malagasy people eat rice at every meal. Vanilla from Madagascar flavors ice cream and desserts around the world.

Fun Facts

  • About 90 percent of Madagascar's wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
  • Madagascar is the world's largest producer of vanilla.
  • There are over 100 species of lemurs, all found only in Madagascar.

Did You Know?

Madagascar split away from Africa about 160 million years ago and from India about 88 million years ago. Because it has been an island for so long, its plants and animals evolved on their own. That is why about 90 percent of its species exist nowhere else on Earth.