Madagascar, or Republic of Madagascar (older name Malagasy
Republic), is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the
southeastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called
Madagascar, is the fourth-largest island in the world, and is
home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, of which
more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. They include the lemur
infraorder of primates, the carnivorous fossa, three bird
families and six baobab species. Antananarivo is situated in the
center of the island length-wise, and 145 km (90 miles) away
from the eastern coast. The city occupies a commanding position,
being built on the summit and slopes of a long and narrow rocky
ridge, which extends north and south for about 4 km (2 mi) and
rising at its highest point to about 200 m (660 ft) above the
extensive rice plain to the west, although the town is at about
1,275 m (4,183 ft) above sea level. It is Madagascar's largest
city and is its administrative, communications, and economic
center. The city is located 215 km