Tourist arrivals in Madagascar (a large Indian Ocean island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa) rose 5% in the first half of 2026, reaching nearly 150,000 visitors, according to a ministry of tourism official. The growth comes despite ongoing political upheaval following the removal of President Andriy Rajoelina, with Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina now holding power after a seizure of government and pledging a return to civilian rule within two years. The recovery in tourism has been aided by Air France resuming six weekly flights to the capital, Antananarivo, after suspending services during the height of the student-led protests that ousted Rajoelina.