Map of Madagascar – Regions, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Madagascar with this interactive map of its major cities, central highlands, Indian Ocean coastline, national parks and surrounding islands. Zoom in to locate Antananarivo, Toamasina, Antsirabe, Mahajanga and other destinations.
Madagascar is an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa, separated from Mozambique by the Mozambique Channel. Its geography ranges from highland plateaus and eastern rainforests to western dry forests and southern semi-arid landscapes.
Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. Its capital is Antananarivo, in the central highlands. The island has no land borders; the Mozambique Channel separates it from mainland Africa. Madagascar is divided into 23 administrative regions, often described geographically using six former provinces.
Interactive map | Regions and cities | Landmarks | FAQs
Move and zoom to explore the island, its cities, coastlines and neighbouring Indian Ocean waters.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Features and labels may change.
Where Is Madagascar Located?
Madagascar sits east of the African mainland. The Mozambique Channel runs along its western side, while the open Indian Ocean borders the east. The island extends a long distance north to south, giving different parts of the country noticeably different landscapes and climates.
- West: Mozambique Channel and mainland Mozambique beyond.
- East: Indian Ocean.
- North: Waters towards the Comoros and Seychelles.
- Nearby islands: Mauritius and Réunion lie farther east across the Indian Ocean.
Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island. Its offshore islands include the popular destination Nosy Be in the northwest and Nosy Boraha (Ãle Sainte-Marie) off the east coast.
Madagascar Regions and Major Cities
Modern Madagascar has 23 administrative regions. The six former provinces remain useful broad geographic reference areas, but they should not be confused with the current administrative regions.
| Broad area (former province) | Places and geography |
|---|---|
| Antananarivo | Capital city, central highlands and nearby Antsirabe. |
| Antsiranana | Northern coastline, Antsiranana city, Nosy Be and mountain landscapes. |
| Fianarantsoa | Southern highlands, Fianarantsoa city and rainforest approaches. |
| Mahajanga | Northwestern coast, Mahajanga city and dry forests. |
| Toamasina | Eastern coast, Toamasina port and tropical forest areas. |
| Toliara | Southwestern coast, Toliara city, dry landscapes and coastal habitats. |
These are historical provincial groupings used for orientation, not a complete listing of today's 23 regions.
Natural Landmarks to Find on the Map
- Avenue of the Baobabs: A well-known stand of baobab trees near Morondava in western Madagascar.
- Andasibe-Mantadia: Rainforest protected areas east of Antananarivo, associated with lemur habitats.
- Isalo National Park: Sandstone formations, valleys and dry landscapes in the south-central area.
- Tsingy de Bemaraha: Dramatic limestone formations in western Madagascar.
- Nosy Be: An island destination off the northwest coast.
Use the map to locate these places in relation to the nearest towns. Protected-area access and visitor arrangements can change; check locally before planning a visit.
Roads, Airports and Travel Connections
Antananarivo is an important road and air transport hub. National roads link it with cities such as Toamasina, Antsirabe and Mahajanga, although routes through mountainous or remote areas can be slow. Madagascar also has domestic flights connecting selected regional destinations.
For current road conditions, flight schedules or safety information, consult a transport operator and Smartraveller's Madagascar advice. This geographic map does not provide live routing or road-condition updates.
What This Madagascar Map Helps You Explore
- Find Antananarivo and the principal coastal cities.
- Compare the central highlands with lowland coastal areas.
- See the Mozambique Channel and nearby Indian Ocean islands.
- Locate major national parks and nature landmarks.
- Understand the island's large northâsouth extent.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Madagascar Map FAQs
Where is Madagascar on the world map?
Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique and southeastern Africa.
What is Madagascar's capital?
Antananarivo, situated in the central highlands, is the capital and a major transport centre.
Does Madagascar have land borders?
No. It is an island country separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel.
How many regions does Madagascar have?
It has 23 administrative regions. Older references may instead describe six historical provinces.
Is Madagascar part of Africa?
Yes. Madagascar is geographically and politically associated with Africa, despite being separated from the mainland by sea.
Where are Madagascar's rainforests?
Many rainforest landscapes lie along the wetter eastern side of the island, including protected areas near Andasibe.
Can I use this map for driving directions?
The map is useful for general orientation, but not for live directions, road conditions or emergency navigation.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Maps, boundaries, roads and landmarks may be approximate or outdated. Do not rely on this page for navigation, emergencies or official decisions. Check current travel advice. External sites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.