Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the east coast of Africa. With a land area of 226,657 square miles (587,040 sq km) it is the third largest island in the world. It has a population of 15.8 million (1997 est); the capital city is Antananarivo. It was a colony of France between 1896 and 1960.

History

French Colony

In World War II, Madagascar was under Vichy control. The Allies were concerned about the strategic island being used as a base by the Germans or Japanese, and on May of 1942, British forces landed at Diego Suarez at the northern tip of the island, supported by two aircraft carriers. Vichy forces in the area surrendered a week later, and the rest of the island had followed suit by November. In January 1943, administration of Madagascar was turned over to the Free French.