1960 — Madagascar Becomes Independent

On June 26, 1960, Madagascar became independent from France after 64 years of colonial rule. Antananarivo erupted in celebration as Philibert Tsiranana became the new republic's first president, and the white-red-green flag rose over the island of lemurs and baobabs to mark the birth of a sovereign Malagasy state.

A new nation was born on this day. After 64 years, rule from Paris gave way to a government led from Antananarivo itself, and the flag gave that change a form every citizen could see. For an island nation with a world entirely its own, independence meant its future would now be decided at home.