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

Taiwan announced Tuesday that Lai was postponing his trip to Eswatini -- the island's only diplomatic ally in Africa -- after "Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unexpectedly and without prior notice revoked the charter's overflight permits."

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The biggest losses occurred in tropical moist broadleaf forests, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and parts of West Africa.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Last year, persistent power and water shortages in Madagascar led to youth-led protests, which escalated to broader political unrest, resulting in a military takeover.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Last month, Russian military instructors visited Madagascar to train their counterparts in military equipment supplied by Moscow, including drones.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“He wouldn’t be hiding where he lived. He would be on some remote island off the coast of Mexico, or Madagascar, or something.”

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser