Madagascar is located on the continent of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world, situated off the southeastern coast of the continent in the Indian Ocean. Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth, including lemurs and various endemic plants. The island's distinct ecosystems range from rainforests to dry deciduous forests, contributing to its status as a global biodiversity hotspot. Madagascar's cultural diversity is also rich, influenced by various indigenous communities and historical interactions.