Madagascar, an island nation off East Africa, is a biodiversity hotspot with lemurs, baobabs, and rainforests, its capital Antananarivo perched in the highlands. Known for vanilla, cloves, and unique wildlife—90% endemic—its economy leans on agriculture and eco-tourism, though poverty persists. Malagasy culture fuses Austronesian and African roots in dance and rice worship. Madagascar’s isolation breeds an otherworldly charm.