In the Republic of Madagascar, Independence Day is celebrated on June 26.
On that day in 1960, Madagascar proclaimed its independence from France as the Malagasy Republic.
The Republic of Madagascar is located on the eponymous island and a number of smaller peripheral islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Southeast Africa.
The first Europeans to set foot on the island were the Portuguese in 1500.
The French established their first trading posts along the east coast of Madagascar in the late 17th century.
In 1883, France invaded the Merina Kingdom which dominated most of the island, starting the first Franco-Hova War.
In 1896, France finally annexed Madagascar and imposed a protectorate over the island.
After the Second World War, the Malagasy people began to struggle for their independence.
The Malagasy Uprising of 1947-1948 was repressed, but in 1958 France granted Madagascar autonomy, and on June 26, 1960, the country achieved full independence.
