The Malagasy Republic refers to the official name given to Madagascar, a country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. With approximately 587,041 square kilometers of land area, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world. The Malagasy Republic is a semi-presidential republic with a population of over 26 million people.
The term "Malagasy" refers to the native Malagasy people, the original inhabitants of the island. The official language of the Malagasy Republic is Malagasy, a member of the Austronesian language family, although French is also widely spoken and used in official matters. The Malagasy Republic gained its independence from France on June 26, 1960.
The Malagasy Republic has a diverse geography, including rainforests, highlands, savannas, and a vast coastline. It is known for its unique wildlife, including lemurs, found nowhere else in the world. The economy of the Malagasy Republic is primarily agricultural, with major exports including coffee, vanilla, and seafood.
The Malagasy Republic has a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in a blend of African, Arabian, Indian, and European influences. Its diverse population practices various traditional beliefs and customs, with a significant portion of the population adhering to Malagasy traditional religions, Christianity, or Islam.
Once known as the Malagasy Republic, the country changed its name to the Republic of Madagascar in 1975.
