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Madagascar. Pop - 20,653,556. Area - 587,041 km2. Capital - Antananarivo. Largest City – Antananarivo. Currency – Malagasy ariary (MGA). Language – Malagasy and French. Main Religions – indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%. Time Zone – GMT + 3 hours. Main Airports – Antananarivo Ivato (TNR). Climate – tropical along the coast, temperate inland, and arid in the south. Voltage guide 220V. Dialing code +261. Madagascar, or the Republic of Madagascar is an island off the south east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. The country has six provinces - Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, and Toliara. Within these provinces are some spectacular park reserves such as : Masoala National Park, Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve, d'Andringitra National Park, and Isalo National Park. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a foundation stone of the economy. Madagascar is the world's leading producer of vanilla and accounts for nearly half of the world's export market. A growing economic sector is the eco-tourism market, which is benefiting from Madagascar's unique biodiversity, unspoiled natural habitats, national parks and unique lemurs. Many visitors will arrive at Antananarivo Ivato airport which handles flights from Europe and other African countries. Routes to Asia a are being developed including Bangkok in Thailand.