Madagascar
Madagascar’s highland cities and wild coasts pulse with Malagasy heritage and the world’s most singular biodiversity.
Overview
From Antananarivo’s bustling streets to the rainforests and beaches that ring the island, Madagascar’s landscapes are as distinctive as its language and culture. French and Malagasy are spoken widely, and the island’s long isolation has fostered both unique wildlife and enduring local traditions.
At a glance
Languages
- French(Official)
- Malagasy(Official)
Population29,612,000
CurrencyMalagasy Ariary (MGA)
1 MGA = 0.0002339 USD
1 USD = 4275.15 MGA
Popular places
Madagascar
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexLimitedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexElevatedSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexHighSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Tourist eVisa
Madagascar online tourist eVisa for all nationalities, issued as a single-entry electronic travel authorization for stays up to sixty days.
- 60 days
- No work rights
Languages
- French(Official)6,796,800 speakers
- Malagasy(Official)28,771,200 speakers
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Madagascar.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to the high crime rate and the potential for political instability.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Madagascar. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory effective · Verified
The advisory level was decreased from 3 to 2. The “health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution when traveling to Madagascar due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider travel to the following areas due to crime: The area in and around the city of Tsaratanana in the Betsiboka Region. The area along the unnamed road connecting the city of Tsiroanomandidy in the Bongolava Region with the coastal city of Maintirano in the Melaky Region. The area in and around the city of Betroka in the Anosy Region. The area along the road from Miandrivazo to Malaimbandy. This road is part of the National Road number 34 (RN34) that connects Antsirabe-Miandrivazo-Malaimbandy-Morondava and is located
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