Country Profile: Madagascar

Madagascar, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, with around 90% of its flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. The country has a population of approximately 31.3 million people and has faced challenges including poverty and political instability, although recent elections have hinted at a return to stability. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with a notable focus on vanilla production, and is characterized by a significant informal sector. Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic, and it has navigated a complex political landscape since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Geography

Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, situated east of Mozambique and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It features a diverse topography that includes a narrow coastal plain, central high plateaus, and mountains, with the highest point being Maromokotro at 2,876 meters. The island enjoys a tropical climate along the coast, temperate weather inland, and arid conditions in the south.

Area: 587,041 sq km, nearly four times the size of Georgia.
Coastline: 4,828 km with an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nm.
Natural Hazards: Prone to cyclones, drought, and locust infestations.

People and Society

Madagascar is home to approximately 31.3 million individuals, predominantly of Malayo-Indonesian and African descent. The official language is Malagasy, while French is also widely spoken. The society is characterized by a youthful demographic, with a median age of 20.5 years, and a significant portion of the population under 15 years old.

Population Growth Rate: 2.15% (2025 est.).
Urbanization: 40.6% of the population live in urban areas (2023).
Literacy Rate: 74.7% (2021).

Economy

Madagascar's economy is classified as low-income, with natural resources playing a crucial role. The country is known for being one of the world's leading producers of vanilla and is rich in minerals. However, extreme poverty remains a significant challenge. Recent political stabilization has fostered some economic growth, although the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected tax revenues.

GDP (PPP): $52.968 billion (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024 est.).
Exports: $4.689 billion (2022 est.), primarily consisting of garments and vanilla.

Government

Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic, with the president serving as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The country has a history of political turbulence, but recent elections in 2023 have showcased a tentative return to democratic processes. Antananarivo serves as the capital, and the government is structured around a bicameral legislature.

Constitution: Last amended in 2010.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
Recent Election: Andry RAJOELINA re-elected in 2023, with claims of election rigging from opposition parties.

Military and Security

The Madagascar Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the National Gendarmerie responsible for rural law enforcement. The military's influence extends beyond national defense, as it has historically played a significant role in the country's political landscape.

Military Expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.).
Personnel Strength: Approximately 13,000 in active duty.
Service Age: Voluntary recruitment starting at 18 years.

Energy

Energy access in Madagascar is limited, particularly in rural areas where only about 10.9% have access to electricity. The country's energy generation primarily relies on fossil fuels and hydropower, with ongoing efforts to increase renewable energy production to meet future demands.

Electricity Access: 36.1% of the total population (2022 est.).
Installed Generating Capacity: 759,000 kW (2023 est.).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 1.816 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Madagascar faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. The island is part of numerous international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating these issues and preserving its unique biodiversity.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 3.936 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Total Renewable Water Resources: 337 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
World Heritage Sites: 3, including the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve.

Transportation

Madagascar has a developing transportation network, including a mix of air, rail, and maritime options, although infrastructure remains limited in many areas. The primary airport is located in Antananarivo, and the country is served by a combination of ports for maritime trade.

Total Airports: 93 (2025).
Railways: 836 km (2018).
Merchant Marine: 29 ships (2023).

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Madagascar is gradually improving, with increasing mobile phone subscriptions and a burgeoning internet user base. However, access to fixed-line telephones remains limited.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 23.5 million (2023).
Internet Users: 20% of the population (2023).
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 34,000 (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,345,040 (2025 est.)
Area	587,041 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$52.968 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.1% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	27.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate	74.7% (2021 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	68.8 years (2024 est.)