Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is known for its unique biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems range from rainforests to deserts, supporting a wide variety of plants and animals, including the famous lemurs. The capital city of Antananarivo is situated in the central highlands. Madagascar has a rich cultural heritage influenced by both African and Asian traditions. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with vanilla and coffee being significant exports.