Madagascar

American  

[mad-uh-gas-ker] / ˌmæd əˈgæs kər /

noun

1. an island republic in the Indian Ocean, about 240 miles (385 km) off the southestern coast of Africa: formerly a French colony; gained independence 1960. 227,800 sq. mi. (590,000 sq. km). Antananarivo.

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Madagascar British  

/ ˌmædəˈɡæskə /

noun

1. Official name (since 1975): Democratic Republic of Madagascar.  Former name (1958–75): Malagasy Republic.  an island republic in the Indian Ocean, off the E coast of Africa: made a French protectorate in 1895; became autonomous in 1958 and fully independent in 1960; contains unique flora and fauna. Languages: Malagasy and French. Religions: animist and Christian. Currency: franc. Capital: Antananarivo. Pop: 22 599 098 (2013 est). Area: 587 041 sq km (266 657 sq miles)

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Madagascar Cultural  

1. Island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. Its capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

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Discover More

Madagascar was under French control from the late nineteenth century until 1960, when it gained full independence. Its culture mixes European, African, and South Asian influences.

The island of Madagascar is the fourth largest in the world.

Other Word Forms

• Madagascan noun
• anti-Madagascan adjective
• pro-Madagascan adjective

Example Sentences

A former French serviceman has been detained in Madagascar for allegedly taking part in a plot to destabilise the island, authorities say.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Tropical forest loss remained high in other parts of the world, including in Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Madagascar, the researchers said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

After Bangladesh and Nepal, there has been a groundswell of Gen Z protests globally, felling governments in Madagascar and Bulgaria and unnerving rulers from Morocco to Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Five easy-to-grow plants recommended by RHS include the Madagascar dragon tree, English ivy, rubber plant, Boston fern and Sansevieria trifasciata.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Archaeologists exploring Madagascar have now proved that Austronesians had arrived at least by A.D.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond