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World War II history
'''Madagascar''' is an island nation in the [[Indian Ocean]], located off the east coast of [[Africa]]. With a land area of 226,657 square miles (587,040 sq km) it is the third largest island in the world. It has a population of 15.8 million (1997 est); the capital city is [[Antananarivo]]. It was a colony of [[France]] between 1896 and 1960.
'''Madagascar''' is an island nation in the [[Indian Ocean]], located off the east coast of [[Africa]]. With a land area of 226,657 square miles (587,040 sq km) it is the third largest island in the world. It has a population of 15.8 million (1997 est); the capital city is [[Antananarivo]]. It was a colony of [[France]] between 1896 and 1960.
==History==
===French Colony===
In [[World War II]], Madagascar was under [[Vichy]] control. The Allies were concerned about the strategic island being used as a base by the Germans or Japanese, and on May of 1942, British forces landed at Diego Suarez at the northern tip of the island, supported by two [[aircraft carrier]]s. Vichy forces in the area surrendered a week later, and the rest of the island had followed suit by November. In January 1943, administration of Madagascar was turned over to the [[Free French]].<ref>Chronicle of the 20th century, ed. by Clifton Daniel, Chronicle Publications, 1987</ref>
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:African Countries]]
[[Category:African Countries]]
[[Category:Islands]]
[[Category:Islands]]