Country Profile

Formal Name:  Republic of Madagascar 
Local Name:  Repoblikan’i Madagasikara 
Government:  Caretaker government
Structure:  22 regions, 116 districts, 1,548 communes
Formation:  26 June, 1960 (independence from France)
Motto:  Tanindrazana, Fahafahana, Fandrosoana (Fatherland, Liberty, Progress)
Anthem:  Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô! (Oh, Our Beloved Fatherland)
Languages:  Malagasy, French, English
Population:  21 million
Area:  587,041 km2 (45th)
Currency:  Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Capital:  Antananarivo (1 million)