In 2017, Madagascar had a population of approximately 25.7 million people. The largest ethnic group was the Malagasy, followed by Comorians and other African peoples. The economy of Madagascar was largely driven by its agricultural sector, which accounted for more than one-third of the country’s GDP. Its industry sector consisted mainly of textiles and food processing. In terms of foreign relations, Madagascar maintained close ties with France and other countries in the region, such as South Africa and Mozambique. It was also a member of several international organizations including the United Nations and the African Union. In terms of politics, Madagascar held presidential elections in November 2018 which resulted in a coalition government led by President Andry Rajoelina from the Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM) party. The TIM-led coalition focused on promoting economic development and improving foreign relations with neighboring countries. See militarynous for Madagascar military and defense.
Yearbook 2017
Madagascar. In March, the tropical cyclone Enawo pulled over Madagascar with torrential rain and winds of over 62 meters per second in the wind villages. At least 78 people lost their lives and about 250,000 people destroyed their homes. According to Countryaah.com, the weather hit the island when the country was already wrestling with the effects of a drought that pushed up the price of rice, which led to the risk of food shortages in especially the southern part of the country. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for frequently used acronyms and abbreviations related to as well as country profile of Madagascar.
In August, a new plague epidemic broke out and, unlike previous years, affected several different areas, including major cities. By November, at least 2,000 people had been infected by the dreaded disease, of which about 170 had died. Most had suffered from lung plague. The World Health Organization distributed 1.2 million doses of antibiotics and the Red Cross trained hundreds of volunteers who spread information on preventive measures. Madagascar is one of the few countries where plague is still prevalent. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, mortality is 80-100%.
Country data
Area: 587,041 km2 (world rank: 46)
Population: 25,571,000
Population density: 44 per km2 (as of 2017, world rank: 51)
Capital: Antananarivo
Official languages: Malagasy, French
Gross domestic product: 11.5 billion US $; Real growth: 4.2%
Gross national product (GNP, per resident and year): US $ 400
Currency: 1 Ariary (Ar) = 5 Iraimbilanja
Embassy
Seepromenade 92, 14612 Falkensee
Telephone 03322 23140,
Fax 03322 231429
www.botschaft-madagaskar.de
Government
Head of State: Hery Rajaonarimampianina, Head of Government: Christian Ntsay, Exterior: Eloi Alphonse Maxime Dovo
National holiday: 26.6.
Administrative organization
22 regions
State and form of government
Constitution of 2010
Presidential Republic
Parliament: National Assembly (Antenimieram-Pirenena / Assemblée Nationale) with 151 members, election every 5 years; Senate (Sénat) with 63 members (42 indirectly elected for 5 years and 21 members appointed by the President)
direct election of the head of state. every 5 years (one re-election)
suffrage from 18 years of age
Population: Madagascans, last count 1993: 12,237,320 residents 99% Malagasy people; Minorities of Comorians, French, Indians and others
Cities (with population): (as of 2013) Antananarivo 2,050,000 inh., Toamasina (Tamatave) 274,700, Antsirabe 238,500, Mahajanga 220,600, Fianarantsoa 190,300, Toliara 156,700, Antsiranana (Diégo Suarez) 115,000, Ambovombe 108,700
Religions: 52% followers of indigenous religions 41% Christians, 7% Muslims (as of 2006)
Languages: Malagasy (Malagasy), French; indigenous languages
Employed by economic sector: agriculture. 75%, industry 9%, business 16% (2017)
Unemployment (in% of all labor force): no information
Inflation rate (in%): 2017: 8.1%
Foreign trade: Import: 4.0 billion US $ (2017); Export: US $ 2.3 billion (2017)
Climate
Madagascar lies in the tropical climate of the South Equatorial Current. Precipitation decreases continuously from east to southwest. On the west coast, for example, only 500 millimeters fall per year, while on the east coast it can be up to 4,000 millimeters regionally. The annual average temperature is 25 ° C, with temperatures on the coasts being higher and in the interior in the highlands can drop below freezing point. Summer and winter correspond to the tropical rainy and dry seasons. Cyclones haunt the island almost every year.