Madagascar

[mad-uh-gas-ker]

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.

Madagascar

/ 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)

Madagascar

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Madagascar's security forces on Friday said they had taken "strict measures" as they claimed the protesters aimed to "terrorise the population" and "incite looting".

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"To be a young person in Madagascar, you have to be tough," he adds, explaining that insecurity is rife.

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In Madagascar, 14 species were newly classified as near threatened and three others were labelled vulnerable.

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The near-daily protests erupted on September 25 in anger over regular and lengthy power and water shortages in Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, and evolved into a broader anti-government movement.

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At least 1,000 protesters marched in Madagascar's capital Thursday where police fired tear gas to try to disperse the new anti-government demonstration in a youth-led movement that started two weeks ago.

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