Madagascar is situated in the south western area of the Indian Ocean east of the coast of Africa about 400 km off the coast of Mozambique. In October 1958, the Malagasy Republic was proclaimed as an autonomous state within the French Community and gained full independence in June 1960.  Today, Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island country.

The Malagasy people located on the Island of Madagascar, are a complex of about 20 ethnic groups in Madagascar. The largest group is the Merina, who primarily inhabit the central plateau.  All Malagasy peoples speak a dialect of Malagasy, an Austronesian language. The written language is a standardized version of the Merina dialect. Most Malagasy peoples live in rural areas and grow rice, cassava (manioc), and other crops. About half are Christian, while some two-fifths practice their traditional religion based on ancestor worship. A Sunni Muslim community is found in the northwest region of the country.

Source: Malagasy peoples | Britannica