Live Data
Capital
Antananarivo
Population
30.3 million (2024 est.)
Area
587,041 km²
Languages
Malagasy, French
Currency
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Timezone
East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Regions
Antananarivo and the Central Highlands
The capital region sits at 1,200-1,500 metres altitude in the central highlands, giving it a mild, temperate climate. Antananarivo — 'Tana' — is a sprawling city of historic royal palaces, bustling markets, French colonial architecture, and a growing tech sector. The surrounding highlands feature terraced rice paddies and Merina cultural heritage. Explore on the Pulse map.
East Coast
The lush, rainforest-covered east coast receives the highest rainfall on the island. Key destinations include Toamasina (the main port), the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (home to the Indri, Madagascar's largest lemur), and the Pangalanes Canal — a chain of natural and artificial waterways stretching 600 km along the coast. View on the Pulse map.
West Coast and Morondava
The drier west coast features the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava — one of Madagascar's most photographed landscapes. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features dramatic limestone karst formations. The coast also offers whale watching at Sainte-Marie Island and salt pans. View on the Pulse map.
South and Southwest
The semi-arid south and southwest are home to the spiny forest — a unique ecosystem of thorny plants found nowhere else. Key destinations include Isalo National Park with its sandstone canyons, Toliara (Tuléar) as the regional hub, and the fishing village of Anakao. This region is culturally distinct, with Antandroy and Mahafaly traditions. View on the Pulse map.
North
The tropical north features diverse landscapes from the Montagne d'Ambre rainforest to the Ankarana karst massif with its underground rivers and cave systems. Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) is a historic port city with one of the world's finest natural harbours. Nosy Be island is Madagascar's premier beach and diving destination. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
🏗️Infrastructure
Madagascar's infrastructure is underdeveloped relative to its size and population. Road networks are limited and many are unpaved, particularly in rural areas. The port of Toamasina handles most international maritime trade. Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo is the main international gateway. Electricity coverage is among the lowest in Africa, though solar and hydroelectric projects are expanding. Major infrastructure investments include the Tanamalaza expressway and port expansions. For a geographic overview, explore the Pulse map.
🏥Healthcare
Madagascar's healthcare system is limited. Public facilities are concentrated in Antananarivo, with the largest being the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Befelatanana. Private clinics in Antananarivo, including Clinique des Soins d'Urgence and Espace Médical, provide better care. For serious conditions, evacuation to Johannesburg or Réunion is often necessary. Travel health insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Consult the Ministry of Public Health Madagascar and the WHO country health profiles and WHO Regional Office for Africa resource for current health advisories.
🚌Transportation
Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo is the main international gateway, with connections to Paris, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Mauritius, Johannesburg, and other hubs. Domestic flights serve major destinations. No railway network operates. Road travel is the primary means of transport but roads are often in poor condition. Port of Toamasina is the main maritime gateway. For a geographic view of the transport network, explore the Pulse map.