* Official Language: While French is one of the official languages of Madagascar, Malagasy is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population.
* Varying Fluency: The level of French fluency varies widely. Many people may have some understanding of French but not be fluent.
* Regional Differences: French usage may be higher in urban areas and among certain socioeconomic groups.
General Estimates:
* Around 10-15% of the population are estimated to be fluent in French.
* A larger percentage, perhaps 30-40%, may have some level of French comprehension.
It's important to note: These are just estimations. There haven't been recent, large-scale studies to definitively quantify French proficiency in Madagascar.