Madagascar at a Glance
Geography and Climate
Madagascar, an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is the fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.
The nation comprises the island of Madagascar with an area of 587,041 square kilometers, as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands, such as Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha.
The geography of Madagascar varies from central plateaus, coastal plains, and escarpments to the Tsaratanana Massif, the Ankaratra Massif, and the Andringitra region.
The climate in Madagascar ranges from rainforests and mangroves in the east to semi-arid deserts in the south and west.
The Mozambique Channel separates the island from the mainland coast of East Africa.
Main cities include the capital city, Antananarivo, as well as Mahajanga and Toamasina.
Biodiversity and Environment
Madagascar’s unique geographical location significantly contributes to its rich biodiversity, especially in terms of its flora and fauna.
The diverse habitats on the island are home to a vast array of animal species, including the famous lemurs, but also various species of baobabs and receptive orchids from which vanilla is derived.
In fact, Madagascar is renowned for producing over 80% of the world’s vanilla.
This biodiversity is supported by the numerous ecosystems found on the island, such as rainforests, deserts, mangroves, and plains.
The country preserves its nature through numerous parks and reserves.
However, deforestation and habitat loss pose significant threats to Madagascar’s environmental preservation and the survival of its unique flora and fauna.
Population and Culture
Madagascar’s population of about 25.6 million inhabitants is primarily related to the settlers from Indonesia, and not to the African mainland populations.
This distinctive cultural background, combined with African, Arab, and Indian influences, has resulted in a unique blend of traditions and customs.
The official languages of the island are Malagasy and French.
Malagasy, the predominant language, is spoken by almost the entire population and is of Southeast Asian origin.
The Republic of Madagascar is administratively divided into regions, and its government is structured around a presidential system with the National Assembly as its legislative branch.
The currency of the country is the Ariary.
In terms of economy, Madagascar is a member of the Southern African Development Community, trading primarily with Mauritius.
Nonetheless, it faces numerous challenges, including a high poverty rate and reliance on agriculture and natural resources.
Addressing these challenges remains crucial to the sustainable development and progress of the country.
Governance and Economy
Political Structure
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is a large island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa.
The country is divided into 22 regions, and its political structure is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic.
The President serves as the head of state, with the Prime Minister heading the government.
The Parliament consists of two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate.
Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, and its current President, Andry Rajoelina, was elected in 2018.
Economic Overview
Madagascar’s economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with a high dependence on the export of primary products such as vanilla, cloves, and cocoa.
Malagasy, the official language of Madagascar, is part of the Austronesian family, reflecting the island’s Malay-Indonesian heritage.
Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar ranks as one of the poorest countries in Africa in terms of GDP per capita.
According to the World Bank, the country had an estimated population of 30.3 million in 2023, and many of its citizens face the challenges of poverty, deforestation, and erosion.
The ariary is the national currency of Madagascar, and its exchange rate to other currencies is influenced by a variety of economic factors, including export and import values.
Some of the major industries in Madagascar are textiles, agro-processing, and mining.
The country’s main trading partners include France, China, and the United States.
International Relations
Madagascar has established diplomatic relations with numerous countries and is a member of multiple international organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations, and the Southern African Development Community.
The country’s relations with France remain significant due to their historic ties and the influence of the French language in Madagascar’s educational and legal systems.
During the past decades, Madagascar has experienced political instability, leading to periods of diplomatic tension and a decline in international cooperation.
For example, following the presidential elections in 2001, disputes between opposition leaders Didier Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana resulted in a political crisis.
However, the country has made efforts to improve its governance and strengthen its international relations, aiming to attract foreign investment and aid to better address its social and economic challenges.