What is the largest island in the Indian Ocean?

Madagascar.

The largest island in the Indian Ocean is Madagascar. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, following Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. Covering an area of approximately 587,000 square kilometers (about 226,917 square miles), Madagascar is renowned for its unique biodiversity and rich cultural history.

Madagascar separated from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago and later from the African continent around 56 million years ago. This long period of isolation has allowed Madagascar to develop a highly distinct ecosystem. Approximately 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. This includes a diverse array of species such as lemurs, chameleons, and numerous endemic plants like the baobab trees.

The island’s biodiversity makes it a critical area for conservation efforts. Lemurs, in particular, have become emblematic of Madagascar’s unique fauna. There are around 100 species of lemurs, all of which are native to Madagascar. Additionally, the island’s rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and spiny thickets host a wide range of plant and animal life, contributing to its status as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Madagascar’s human history is equally fascinating. The island was first settled by Austronesian peoples who arrived by canoe from Borneo around 2,000 years ago. Later, Bantu-speaking people from mainland Africa, Arab traders, and Europeans, particularly the French, who colonized the island in the late 19th century, also left their mark on Madagascar’s culture and population. This mix of influences has created a unique cultural mosaic, reflected in the island’s language, traditions, and social structures.

The capital city of Madagascar is Antananarivo, which is located in the central highlands. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, including the cultivation of rice, vanilla, and coffee, as well as fishing and forestry. Madagascar is also known for its rich deposits of minerals such as graphite, chromite, and mica.

Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar faces significant challenges, including political instability, poverty, and environmental threats such as deforestation and climate change. These issues pose risks to both the island’s human population and its unique ecosystems. International and local efforts are underway to address these challenges through sustainable development and conservation initiatives.