Country Profile: Madagascar
Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It has a population of approximately 31.3 million people, predominantly living in the eastern regions and urban areas. The economy is largely agrarian and resource-rich, yet it faces significant challenges such as extreme poverty and political instability. Since regaining independence from France in 1960, Madagascar has experienced various political shifts, and it is currently governed as a semi-presidential republic.
Geography
Madagascar is situated in Southern Africa, east of Mozambique, with a total area of 587,041 square kilometers, making it nearly four times the size of Georgia. The island features a diverse terrain of narrow coastal plains, a high plateau, and mountainous regions. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to arid in the south, and it is home to a wide array of endemic plant and animal species, with about 90% found nowhere else on Earth.
- 4,828 km: Total coastline
- 70.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
- Highest Point: Maromokotro at 2,876 m
- Natural Resources: Includes graphite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements, and fish
People and Society
Madagascar’s population is estimated at 31,345,040 in 2025, composed mainly of diverse ethnic groups such as Malayo-Indonesian, Cotiers, and others. The official languages include Malagasy and French, with a literacy rate of 74.7% as of 2021. Approximately 40.6% of the population is urbanized, while the median age is around 20.5 years.
- Birth Rate: 27.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Life Expectancy: 68.8 years (2024 est.)
- Population Growth Rate: 2.15% (2025 est.)
- Total Fertility Rate: 3.47 children per woman (2025 est.)
Economy
Madagascar has a low-income economy reliant on its rich natural resources, which include vanilla, rice, and seafood. The economy has faced volatility, especially due to a drop in tax revenues from the pandemic. The projected Real GDP for 2024 is approximately $52.968 billion, with a growth rate of 4.2%. Agriculture constitutes an essential part of the economy, accounting for about 22.5% of GDP.
- GDP per capita: $1,700 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024 est.)
- Inflation Rate: 9.9% (2023 est.)
- Top Exports: Include garments, nickel, and vanilla
Government
Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic with a legal system based on civil law and customary law. The current constitution was enacted in 2010, while the country was historically marked by political instability and coups. The most recent presidential elections took place in November 2023, resulting in President Andry RAJOELINA's re-election.
- Capital: Antananarivo
- Latest Constitution: Promulgated on December 11, 2010
- Number of Provinces: 6
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Military and Security
The Malagasy Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Military spending accounts for approximately 0.7% of GDP. The military has historically played a significant role in domestic politics and is responsible for maintaining law and order alongside the National Gendarmerie.
- Military Personnel: Estimated at 13,000 for the Armed Forces
- Service Age: Voluntary military service at 18 years
- Military Expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military Equipment: Predominantly older or secondhand armaments
Energy
Electricity access remains limited, with only 36.1% of the population having access as of 2022. The country primarily relies on fossil fuels, hydropower, and a small portion of solar energy for its electricity production.
- Installed Generating Capacity: 759,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 2.506 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Rural Electrification: Only 10.9% of rural areas have access
- Coal Consumption: 472,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Environment
Madagascar faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. The country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at protecting its unique biodiversity.
- CO2 Emissions: 3.936 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- Urbanization Rate: 40.6% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
- Forest Cover: 17.5% of land (2023 est.)
- Water Pollution: A major issue stemming from inadequate waste management
Transportation
Madagascar's transportation infrastructure includes extensive air and maritime networks, with 93 airports and 29 merchant vessels. However, the railway system is limited, amounting to 836 km of narrow gauge tracks.
- Total Ports: 13 (2024)
- Airports: 93 (2025)
- Merchant Marine: 29 vessels (2023)
- Railways: 836 km total (2018)
Communications
Telecommunication systems in Madagascar are developing, with 23.5 million mobile subscriptions recorded in 2023. Internet access remains limited, with only 20% of the population using it.
- Fixed-line Telephones: Under 1 subscription per 100 inhabitants (2023)
- Broadband Subscriptions: 34,000 (2023)
- Internet Users: 20% of the population (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,345,040 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 587,041 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $52.968 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $1,700 | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 36.1% | 2022 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 27.54 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 68.8 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urbanization | 40.6% | 2023 estimate |
| Inflation Rate | 9.9% | 2023 estimate |
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