Madagascar

Madagascar is a fascinating island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. Here’s a brief overview:

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🌍 Geography

• Location: About 400 km (250 miles) off the coast of Mozambique.

• Capital: Antananarivo

• Size: It's the fourth-largest island in the world.

• Terrain: Features rainforests, mountains, deserts, and coastal plains.

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🐾 Biodiversity

• Unique Wildlife: About 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.

  • Lemurs – a type of primate found only in Madagascar.

  • Rare reptiles, frogs, and over 10,000 plant species.

• Baobab Trees: Iconic trees with thick trunks and sparse branches, known as the “upside-down trees.”

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🌿 Environment

• Ecosystems: Tropical rainforests in the east, dry forests in the west, and spiny forests in the south.

• Threats: Deforestation and habitat loss are major concerns.

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👥 People & Culture

• Population: About 30 million people.

• Ethnic Groups: A mix of Southeast Asian and East African ancestry.

• Languages: Malagasy (official), French (widely used)

• Culture: Rich in music, dance, and crafts. Strong oral storytelling traditions.

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💰 Economy

• Main Industries: Agriculture, textiles, tourism, and mining.

• Exports: Vanilla (world's largest producer), coffee, cloves, seafood, and precious stones.

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🏛️ History

• Early Settlers: First settled by Austronesian people, then Africans.

• Colonization: Became a French colony in 1897; gained independence in 1960.

• Political Issues: Has faced periods of instability, but democracy has been improving in recent years.

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