Capital of Madagascar: Antananarivo
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo. Madagascar sits in Africa, has a population of 29,611,714, and uses the MGA. Official languages include Malagasy, French.
Quick facts
- Capital: Antananarivo
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~29,611,714
- Area: 587,041 km²
- Population density: 50.4 people per km²
- Official languages: Malagasy, French
- Currency: MGA
- ISO code: MG
How big is Madagascar?
By population, Madagascar ranks 50th in the world, holding roughly 0.37% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 46th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Madagascar has 50.4 people per square kilometre, which is about 1.2 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Madagascar is the 15th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Madagascar in population are Nepal (30,547,580) and Venezuela (28,301,696).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Botswana (581,730 km²) and Kenya (580,367 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Malagasy is listed as an official language of Madagascar alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Madagascar uses the MGA, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Madagascar in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Madagascar belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Madagascar and a page on the flag of Madagascar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Madagascar?
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.
What is the population of Madagascar?
About 29,611,714, making it the 50th most populous country in the world.
How big is Madagascar?
587,041 square kilometres, ranking 46th by land area, at a density of 50.4 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Madagascar use?
The MGA, which no other country uses.