| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. RAVALOMANANA is now in his second term following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential elections of 2006.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Madagascar is a developing island nation off the east coast of Africa. The primary languages are French and Malagasy. French is less spoken outside of major cities. Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality. Travelers seeking high-end accommodations should make reservations in advance. Read the Department of State Background Notes
on Madagascar for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Visas are available at all airports servicing international flights, but travelers who opt to obtain a visa at an airport should expect delays upon ... Read this Article
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Malagasy.
Population (2008 estimate): 20,042,551.
Annual population growth rate (2005, World Bank): 2.7%.
Ethnic groups: 18 Malagasy tribes; small groups of Comorans, French, Indians, and Chinese.
Religions: Traditional beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%.
Languages: Malagasy (official), French (official), English (official).
Education: Years compulsory--5. Attendance--65%. Literacy--70.7%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--76/1,000. Life expectancy--55.6 yrs.
Work ... Read this Article
| |
Location: Madagascar is Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique See Map
Capital: name: Antananarivo
geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Currency (Code): ariary (MGA) ...More
Area: total: 587,040 sq km , land: 581,540 sq km , water: 5,500 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m , highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 20,042,552 (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 34.9% (2007 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
Religion: indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%
Languages: English (official), French (official), Malagasy (official)
More Statistics
|
| Geographic Info for Madagascar : |
Geography
Area: 592,800 sq. km. (228,880 sq. mi.).
Cities: Capital--Antananarivo (pop. about 1,300,000). Other cities--Antsirabe (about 500,000), Mahajanga (about 400,000), Toamasina (about 450,000).
Terrain: Mountainous central plateau, coastal plain.
Climate: Moderate interior, tropical coasts.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Malagasy.
Population (2008 estimate): 20,042,551.
Annual population growth rate (2005, World Bank): 2.7%.
Ethnic groups: 18 Malagasy tribes; small groups of Comorans, French, ... Read this Article
|
