Madagascar Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Madagascar, state of southeastern Africa; 587,000 km², 26.3 million residents (2019).Madagascar, which is separated from the African mainland by the Mozambique Canal, includes the island of Madagascar (the world’s fourth largest island) in the Indian Ocean as well as several adjacent small islands. The capital is Antananarivo (1.3 million residents, 2015).

Country facts

Repoblikan’i Madagasikara / Republic of Madagascar
Country abbreviation: MG
Area: 587 000 km²
Population (2019): 26.3 million residents
Capital: Antananarivo
Main languages: Malagasy, French
State: Republic
Head of State: Andry Rajoelina (President)
Head of Government: Christian Ntsay
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 461
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 440
Currency unit: 1 ariary = 5 francs
Currency code: MGA
Country number (telephony): 261
Internet domain name: mg
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: June 26 (Independence Day, 1960)

Nature

Land use: forest (27%), agricultural land (5%), other (68%)
Highest mountain: Maromokotro (2 876 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 45 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 3.0%; birthrate 36 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (41%), 15-64 (56%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 65 years, women 68 years
Infant mortality (2019): 40 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 61 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.519 (place 161 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 37%
Most populous city (2015): Antananarivo (1.3 million residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (24%), industry (20%), service (56%)
Exports (2017): US $ 2 290 million
Main export products: coffee, vanilla, seafood
Main exporting countries: France, USA, China
Imports (2017): US $ 2,738 million
Main import products: capital goods, oil, consumer goods
Main importing countries: China, India, France
Railway network (2018): 850 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It lies approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of the coast of Mozambique, its nearest mainland neighbor. The country includes the island of Madagascar itself and several smaller islands, such as the Nosy Be archipelago to the northwest and the islands of Sainte-Marie, Reunion, and the Comoros to the east and north.

The island is separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel, which stretches between Madagascar and Mozambique. The country’s isolation from the African continent has contributed to the unique evolution of its flora and fauna, making it one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Madagascar’s geographical isolation has shaped the island’s ecosystems and contributed to the formation of a distinct cultural and ecological identity.

Physical Features

Madagascar’s landscape is incredibly varied, with regions of dense tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and coastal plains. The island is roughly triangular in shape, with mountain ranges running along the central spine of the island. The Ankaratra Mountains and the Tsaratanana Massif are the highest ranges, with the highest peak, Maromokotro, reaching 2,876 meters (9,436 feet) above sea level. These highlands, which run from north to south, are where the country’s major rivers originate, including the Betsiboka, the Mangoky, and the Onilahy.

The coastal regions of Madagascar are characterized by fertile plains and lagoons, and are typically home to more population density and agricultural activity. The east coast is influenced by the humid, tropical climate, while the west and south receive far less rainfall, leading to more arid conditions. Madagascar is also home to many natural features such as large plateaus, wetlands, and vast savannahs, all of which provide important habitats for wildlife.

In addition to the mountains, Madagascar is known for its unique limestone formations, particularly in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. These sharp, needle-like formations, created by erosion, make for dramatic landscapes and are home to some of the country’s most distinctive ecosystems.

Climate

Madagascar has a tropical climate, which varies considerably between its coastal and highland regions. The island’s climate is generally warm, with hot, wet seasons from December to March and cooler, dry seasons from April to November. The highland areas of Madagascar enjoy milder temperatures, while the coastal regions can become quite hot and humid, especially during the rainy season.

The eastern part of the island receives heavy rainfall, thanks to the trade winds coming from the Indian Ocean. This region is characterized by lush tropical rainforests that are home to a high level of biodiversity. Conversely, the western and southern parts of the island are significantly drier, and the climate is more arid, with much of the land covered in savannahs, deserts, and semi-deserts.

Cyclones, particularly during the wet season, are a recurring natural disaster in Madagascar, and they can cause significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human life. The country’s varied climates, combined with its large size and isolation, have allowed for a rich diversity of ecosystems and species.

Natural Resources

Madagascar is known for its exceptional natural resources, including a wealth of biodiversity, minerals, and agricultural land. The island is home to a vast range of plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else in the world, including lemurs, the fossa, and a variety of unique reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The island’s biodiversity is one of the key factors attracting both scientists and eco-tourists.

Madagascar is rich in mineral resources, including graphite, coal, bauxite, and chromium. The island also has significant deposits of gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Mining has become an increasingly important sector of Madagascar’s economy, though it remains largely underdeveloped due to a lack of infrastructure and investment.

Agriculture is also a major part of Madagascar’s economy. The country’s fertile soil and favorable tropical climate make it ideal for growing crops such as rice, vanilla, coffee, cloves, and sugarcane. Madagascar is the world’s largest producer of vanilla, a key export commodity. The country is also known for its production of lychees, bananas, and cocoa.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Madagascar is home to approximately 28 million people. The population is ethnically diverse, with more than 18 distinct ethnic groups living on the island. The majority of the population is of Austronesian descent, originally from Southeast Asia, with subsequent migrations from Africa and the Indian subcontinent over the past 2,000 years. This diversity is reflected in Madagascar’s culture, traditions, and languages.

The largest ethnic group in Madagascar is the Merina, which makes up about a quarter of the population. The Merina people primarily live in the highland regions around the capital, Antananarivo. Other major ethnic groups include the Betsimisaraka, who inhabit the eastern coast, the Tsimihety in the northern part of the island, and the Bara people, who live in the southern regions.

The Malagasy people, regardless of their ethnic origin, share a common language and cultural practices, which form a cohesive national identity. Despite differences in language, social customs, and historical origins, the diverse ethnic groups in Madagascar share commonalities in their agricultural practices, folklore, and oral traditions.

Language

The official language of Madagascar is Malagasy, a language that belongs to the Austronesian language family and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Malagasy has various dialects, influenced by the country’s ethnic diversity, with the Merina dialect being the most widely spoken, especially in the capital. Malagasy is used in everyday communication, education, and government administration.

French is also an official language of Madagascar, a legacy of the country’s colonial history under France. French is widely used in business, education, and government, especially in urban areas. Many educated Malagasy people are bilingual in both Malagasy and French, and English is increasingly taught in schools, although it is not widely spoken in rural areas.

The linguistic diversity of Madagascar reflects the island’s complex history of settlement and migration. Despite the different regional dialects and languages spoken, Malagasy serves as a unifying language that ties the various ethnic groups together.

Religion

The majority of the population in Madagascar practices Christianity, with approximately 40-50% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic and about 20-30% as Protestant. Christianity was introduced to the island during the 19th century by French and Protestant missionaries, and it has since become a significant part of Malagasy culture and identity. Church services, holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and Christian customs are deeply embedded in the social fabric of the island.

In addition to Christianity, there is a significant portion of the population that follows traditional African religions, particularly in rural areas. These belief systems often involve the worship of ancestors, spirits, and natural forces, and rituals and ceremonies play a central role in maintaining social harmony and connecting with the spiritual world. Ancestor worship is an important part of Malagasy spirituality, and families will often honor their ancestors through offerings and ceremonies.

Islam is practiced by a minority of Malagasy people, particularly along the coastal areas where trade with Arab and Indian merchants has historically been strong. The Muslim population is mostly concentrated in the capital and coastal regions, though Islam is a relatively small religious group compared to Christianity and indigenous beliefs.

Social Structure

Malagasy society is traditionally organized along familial and communal lines, with a strong emphasis on kinship, respect for elders, and community participation. The family is the cornerstone of social structure, with extended families living together or close to one another in rural areas. Elders hold a position of respect, and decision-making is often done by the eldest members of the family or community.

Social hierarchies in Madagascar are also influenced by caste systems, particularly among the Merina and other highland ethnic groups. These systems define social roles and duties based on birth, and they play a role in determining one’s status within society. While caste distinctions have become less pronounced in modern Madagascar, the concept of respect for elders and adherence to traditional values still plays a significant role in shaping social dynamics.

Women in Madagascar traditionally had an important role in society, particularly in agriculture and household management. However, in recent decades, women’s rights and gender equality have become significant issues. Women’s access to education and employment has been improving, though challenges remain, particularly in rural areas.

Economy

Key Industries

Madagascar’s economy is based on a mixture of agriculture, mining, and services. Agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy, with crops such as rice, vanilla, coffee, and cocoa serving as significant export commodities. Madagascar’s favorable climate and fertile soils have made it a leading global producer of vanilla, although the industry is often impacted by environmental challenges and fluctuations in global demand.

The mining sector is an increasingly important part of the economy, with Madagascar being rich in natural resources such as gemstones (notably sapphires), coal, and minerals like nickel and cobalt. The country’s mineral wealth has attracted foreign investment, and the government has made efforts to expand the mining industry to boost economic growth.

The services sector is growing, with the tourism industry contributing significantly to the economy, particularly around natural attractions such as the rainforests, beaches, and unique wildlife of the island. Tourism is vital for the economy, especially in urban areas like Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and the coastal regions, which attract international visitors seeking eco-tourism experiences.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture is the mainstay of Madagascar’s economy, employing about 80% of the population, particularly in rural areas. The fertile lands and favorable climate allow for the production of a wide variety of crops, with rice being the staple food. Other significant crops include maize, cassava, potatoes, and sugarcane, and Madagascar is a key producer of spices, such as cloves, black pepper, and vanilla.

Madagascar’s vanilla industry is one of the largest in the world, with the country producing approximately 80% of the world’s vanilla. The island’s vanilla is known for its high quality, which is prized by manufacturers worldwide. However, the agricultural sector faces several challenges, including vulnerability to cyclones, soil degradation, and limited access to modern farming techniques.

Livestock farming is also important in Madagascar, with cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens being raised in rural areas. The livestock sector is primarily for local consumption, with meat, milk, and eggs being essential parts of the Malagasy diet. However, livestock farming is not as developed as crop agriculture, and the country faces challenges in improving the productivity and sustainability of its agricultural sector.

Economic Challenges

Madagascar faces numerous economic challenges, including poverty, underdevelopment, and infrastructure deficits. The country is one of the poorest in the world, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and mining, sectors that are vulnerable to environmental factors, market fluctuations, and external shocks.

Unemployment is high, especially among the youth, and economic inequality is a significant problem. While Madagascar’s natural resources, including its biodiversity, provide potential for growth, the country struggles with weak governance, corruption, and political instability, which have hindered long-term economic development.

The government has focused on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare, but progress has been slow due to limited resources and institutional challenges. International aid and foreign investment are critical to Madagascar’s development, but the country’s economic future depends on overcoming these systemic issues and diversifying its economy.

Government

Political System

Madagascar is a republic with a presidential system of government. The country’s political system is based on the Constitution of Madagascar, which was adopted in 2010. The President of Madagascar serves as both the head of state and the head of government, and is elected for a five-year term. The President holds significant executive powers, including the authority to appoint ministers, oversee foreign policy, and command the military.

The legislative branch of Madagascar is a bicameral parliament, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly has 151 members, who are elected for five-year terms. The Senate has 63 members, who are also elected for five years. The parliament is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the work of the executive branch.

Political instability has been a challenge in Madagascar, with multiple changes in government and periods of unrest in recent decades. The country has experienced coups, protests, and disputed elections, all of which have hindered the development of democratic institutions and governance structures. Despite these challenges, Madagascar continues to work toward consolidating its democratic practices and improving governance.

Legal System

Madagascar’s legal system is based on civil law, influenced by French legal traditions due to the country’s colonial history. The judiciary is independent, with the highest court being the Supreme Court of Madagascar, which has the authority to interpret laws and rule on constitutional matters.

The country’s legal system includes both criminal and civil courts, and it is tasked with ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and resolving disputes. However, the judicial system in Madagascar faces challenges related to corruption, inefficiency, and a backlog of cases. Many rural areas also lack access to legal services, leading to a disparity in justice between urban and rural populations.

Efforts to reform the legal system have been ongoing, with international support aimed at improving transparency, judicial independence, and access to justice.

Foreign Policy

Madagascar’s foreign policy is based on maintaining good relations with its neighboring countries and international partners. The country is a member of the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the Indian Ocean Commission, and it has played an active role in regional affairs.

Madagascar’s foreign policy is also focused on economic cooperation, particularly with countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The government has sought foreign investment to boost its economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism. Madagascar’s relationship with international organizations and foreign governments plays an essential role in the country’s development efforts.

The country has also worked to strengthen ties with regional organizations, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which promotes economic and political cooperation in Southern Africa. Despite the challenges of political instability and economic underdevelopment, Madagascar continues to pursue a foreign policy aimed at fostering peace, security, and development both domestically and regionally.