Madagascar
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 32.7 million people live in Madagascar, on 587,295 km². The capital is Antananarivo.
- Capital
- Antananarivo
- Population
- 32,740,678
- Area
- 587,295 km²
- Official languages
- French and Malagasy
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Madagascar?
Sockets take plug type C/D/E/J/K, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Madagascar?
Call 117 for the police, 124 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Madagascar?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Madagascar?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Madagascar?
Prices are in Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
What language do they speak in Madagascar?
Official languages: French and Malagasy.
How do I call a number in Madagascar from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +261.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
