Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo. Historically, the island was first settled by Austronesian peoples from Borneo between 350 BCE and 550 CE. Later, African and Arab settlers arrived, creating a diverse cultural mix. Madagascar was a kingdom for much of its recent history until it became a French colony in 1897. It regained independence in 1960. Madagascar's economy is largely based on agriculture, including the cultivation of rice, coffee, vanilla, and cloves. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter of vanilla. Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, with over 75% of its population living in poverty. The economy faces challenges such as political instability, poor infrastructure, and a lack of investment. The population of Madagascar is ethnically diverse, consisting of 18 main ethnic groups. The Malagasy people, as the inhabitants are known, have a culture that reflects the diverse origins of the island's settlers. The official languages are Malagasy and French. Culturally, Madagascar is known for its music, dance, and oral storytelling traditions. The island is also famous for its unique wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and a variety of bird species. The diverse ecosystems range from rainforests to deserts, with many species and habitats under threat due to deforestation and other environmental pressures. Geographically, Madagascar's landscape is varied, with a mountainous central plateau, rainforests along the east coast, and dry deciduous forests in the west and south. The island's isolation has led to a high degree of endemism among its flora and fauna. Madagascar faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, erosion, and the threat to its unique biodiversity. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but they are hindered by economic and political factors. The country also struggles with issues of healthcare, education, and access to clean water. Population of Madagascar from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 26.26 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 26.97 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 27.69 million inhabitants. Capital (Antananarivo): Population in 2020: About 1.3 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Antananarivo: 1.3 million Toamasina: 325,000 Antsirabe: 238,478 Fianarantsoa: 209,365 Mahajanga: 200,000 Toliara: 156,710 Antsiranana: 115,015 Ambatondrazaka: 56,000 Amparafaravola: 51,519 Fort Dauphin: 45,141 Madagascar is divided into 22 regions.