Madagascar, republic in the Indian Ocean, separated from the south-eastern coast of Africa by the Mozambique Channel. In full the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, it is made up of Madagascar Island, the fourth-largest island in the world, and several small islands. The nation's total area is 587,041 sq km (226,658 sq mi). Madagascar was annexed by the French in 1896 and became self-governing within the French Community in 1958 as the Malagasy Republic. It gained full freedom in 1960 and took the name Democratic Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Antananarivo is the capital and largest city.