Country Profile: Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, with a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, high plateaus, and mountain ranges. It has a population of approximately 29.4 million, predominantly Malagasy, and is known for its rich biodiversity, with around 90% of its flora and fauna being endemic. The economy is classified as low-income and heavily reliant on agriculture, with vanilla being a key export product. Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a history of political instability but more recent progress toward stability and democratic governance.
Geography
Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, situated strategically in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland, and arid in the south. The island features a narrow coastal plain surrounded by a central high plateau and mountains. Its unique isolation has led to a high incidence of endemic species.
- Area: 587,041 sq km
- Coastline: 4,828 km
- Highest Point: Maromokotro at 2,876 m
- Natural Hazards: Periodic cyclones and droughts
- Natural Resources: Rich in graphite, bauxite, and rare earth elements
People and Society
Madagascar's population is approximately 29.5 million, predominantly composed of Malayo-Indonesian and mixed African ethnic groups. The official language is Malagasy, with French also widely spoken. The society is predominantly Christian, with significant traditional beliefs still practiced. The population is young; over one-third are below 15 years old.
- Urban Population: 40.6% (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 74.7% (2021)
- Median Age: 21.3 years (2024)
- Life Expectancy: 68.8 years (2024)
- Birth Rate: 27.6 births per 1,000 population (2024)
Economy
Madagascar's economy is characterized by low-income levels, high poverty rates, and dependence on agriculture, particularly vanilla production. The country has experienced slow recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, and while growth has been noted, it remains fragile due to environmental risks.
- GDP (PPP): $52.968 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024 est.)
- Major Exports: Garments, vanilla, nickel
- Key Industries: Tourism, agriculture, mining
Government
Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The political landscape has seen significant changes, including recent elections in 2023 that were contested but deemed valid by international observers.
- Capital: Antananarivo
- Current President: Andry Rajoelina (since 2023)
- Legislative Structure: National Assembly (163 seats) and Senate (18 seats)
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Military and Security
The Madagascar Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the National Gendarmerie. While military expenditures are low, the military plays a role in maintaining domestic order and has historically influenced politics.
- Total Military Personnel: Estimated 13,000
- Military Expenditure: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Conscription Age: 18-25 years with a service obligation of 18 months
- Military Partnerships: France, India, and Russia
Energy
Energy access in Madagascar is limited, with only 36.1% of the population having electricity. The country’s energy generation is primarily from fossil fuels, with increasing attention on renewable sources, particularly hydroelectric power.
- Installed Capacity: 759,000 kW (2023)
- Electricity Access: 36.1% of population (2022)
- Main Energy Source: Fossil fuels (64.8% of total capacity)
- Coal Consumption: 472,000 metric tons (2023)
Environment
Madagascar faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat loss due to agriculture and development. The country is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- Forest Cover: 21.3% (2022)
- Total Water Withdrawal: 400 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
- Biodiversity: Approximately 90% of species are endemic
- Major Environmental Issues: Deforestation and water pollution
Transportation
Madagascar has a developing transportation infrastructure with numerous airports and a modest railway network. The ports facilitate much of the country’s trade, although they are primarily small.
- Airports: 93 (2025 est.)
- Railways: 836 km (2018)
- Ports: 13 total
Communications
The communications sector in Madagascar is characterized by low penetration of fixed-line telephones, but mobile cellular subscriptions have grown. Internet access remains limited to a small percentage of the population.
- Mobile Subscriptions: 25.4 million (2023)
- Internet Users: 20% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-line Telephones: 3,000 subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,452,714 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 587,041 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $52.968 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 27.6 births/1,000 people | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 68.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 36.1% | 2022 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 74.7% | 2021 estimate |
| Military Expenditure | 0.7% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 40.6% | 2023 estimate |
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