Which ocean surrounds the island nation of Madagascar on its eastern side?

The Indian Ocean surrounds Madagascar on its eastern side.

Madagascar is a large island country off the southeastern coast of Africa. The Mozambique Channel separates it from mainland Africa to the west, while the Indian Ocean stretches along its eastern coast. Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.

The island separated from the African mainland roughly 160 million years ago and later became isolated from India. This long period of geographic separation produced an exceptional range of endemic wildlife. Lemurs, many chameleons, and the distinctive baobab trees are strongly associated with Madagascar, although the island’s ecosystems are under pressure from habitat loss.

Madagascar’s eastern side receives heavy rainfall from Indian Ocean winds, supporting tropical rainforest in some areas. The west and south are generally drier. The island has several major ethnic groups and languages, and its cultural history reflects both African and Austronesian origins.