Antananarivo, also known by its colonial shorthand form Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. Located in the center of the island at an elevation of 1,280 meters (4,199 ft), it holds the distinction of being the highest national capital by elevation among all island countries. The administrative area of the city, Antananarivo-Renivohitra, serves as the capital of the Analamanga region.
The city has served as Madagascar's largest population center since at least the 18th century and functions as the nation's primary hub for governance and commerce. It houses the Presidency, National Assembly, Senate, and Supreme Court, along with 21 diplomatic missions and numerous headquarters for national and international organizations. Antananarivo also features a high concentration of infrastructure, including more universities, medical services, art venues, and nightclubs than any other city on the island.