Background information on Madagascar

History

Madagascar's official languages are Malagasy and French.

Credit: WaterAid / Jeremy Horner

Madagascar became a French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. Mark Ravalomanana was declared President in April 2002, after a contested Presidential election in 2001.

While the official languages are Malagasy (which is related to Indonesian) and French local dialects are also spoken. An estimated 51 per cent of the population follow Animist beliefs, about 43 per cent Christian and the remainder Muslim.

Geography and economy

A central chain of high mountains is responsible for marked differences between the east and west coasts.

Credit: WaterAid / Jeremy Horner

The territory of Madagascar includes several much smaller islands as well as the large main island. A central chain of high mountains occupies more than half of the main island and is responsible for the marked differences - ethnically, climatically and scenically - between the east and west coasts.

The narrow strip of lowlands on the east coast is largely covered by dense rainforests, whereas the broader west-coast landscape is mostly savannah. The east coast receives the monsoon. The southern tip of the island is semi-desert, with great forests of cactus-like plants.

Madagascar faces problems of chronic malnutrition, underfunded health and education facilities, a roughly 3% annual population growth rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion.

Agriculture, including fishing and forestry are the mainstays of the economy, accounting for one-third of GDP and contributing more than 70% to export earnings. Industry features textile manufacturing and the processing of agricultural products.

Growth in output in 1992-97 averaged less than the growth rate of the population. Growth has been held back by antigovernment strikes and demonstrations, a decline in world coffee prices, and the erratic commitment of the government to economic reform.

The extent of government reforms, outside financial aid, and foreign investment will be key determinants of future growth.