Facts

Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Area (only Total) total: 587,040 sq km

Climate: tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain: narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Population: 20,042,551 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): English

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Antananarivo

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+3

Independence: 26 June 1960 (from France)

National holiday: Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

March 24 Easter Monday

March 29 Memorial Day or Martyr's Day

May 1 Labour Day

May 25 Africa Day

June 26 Independence Day

July 14 Fandoana Bathing Festival

August 15 Assumption Day

September 27 St Vincent de Paul Day

November 1 All Saints Day

December 25 Christmas

December 26 Boxing Day

December 30 Anniversary of the Republic.

Weekend - Saturday, Sunday