Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. It is about size the size of Texas or France, and it has been isolated from the African mainland for over 160 million years.

Previously known as the Malagasy Republic, Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Southeast Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar, as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from the Indian peninsula around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hot spot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the encroachment of the rapidly growing human population and other environmental threats.

In 2012, the population of Madagascar was estimated at just over 22 million, 90% of whom live on less than US $2 per day. Today, the quality of life still remains low for the majority of the living in the nation.

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