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Madagascar
Physical. Madagascar is an island located in the Indian Ocean off
Southern Africa and east of Mozambique. It spans an area roughly twice the size
of Arizona and is the world’s fourth-largest island. The climate is tropical
along the coast, temperate inland, and arid in the south. The terrain consists
of a narrow coastal plain with a long chain of mountains running along the
eastern coast and into the center of the island. Natural resources include
graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stone,
mica, fish, and hydropower.
People. Nearly 16.5 million people live in Madagascar. Malagasy
inhabitants recognize both French and Malagasy as their official languages.
Ethnically, the country is comprised of a number of groups, including Malayo-Indonesian,
Cotiers, French, Indian, Creole, and Comoran. The religious beliefs practiced
are: indigenous/native (52%) Christian (41%) and Muslim (7%).
Government. In December 2001 the presidential elections were between
Ratsiraka, the incumbent president for the previous 27 years and Ravalomanana. Ravalomanana's
declaration of victory initiated a fierce
seven-month power struggle. Ignoring a high court decree naming Ravalomanana as
the winner in April, 2002, Ratsiraka used the army to take over various parts of
the country. Ravalomanana organized a crew of reserves and fought back. However,
Ratsiraka’s allies put up economic barricades and an economic depression
resulted. In July 2002, after the United States and France recognized
Ravalomanana as the legitimate leader, Ratsiraka flew into exile in the
Seychelles and his forces either surrendered or switched sides. The African
Union has refused to accept Ravalomanana’s presidency and demanded new
elections, but France, Great Britain and the United States have recognized the
government.
Economy. Ravalomanana has promised to fight the poverty and unemployment
that afflict the people. The current economy is suffering not only from months
of disruption and political violence but Madagascar has experienced economic
difficulties since 1980, which have fueled political instability. Rioting in towns
due to food shortages have been compounded by the frustrated farmers who have
abandoned their fields. For the seven-month period in which the people had two
presidents in 2002, widespread demonstrations and worker strikes paralyzed
trade, commerce and industry. Gasoline and medical supplies were in short supply
as foreign reserves in US banks were frozen. The economy is still recovering..
Areas of Concern. Soil erosion, desertification and water contamination
are Madagascar’s primary environmental concerns. Bringing improvements and order
to an economy that has resisted change and been dealt a blow during the
seven-month strife is of primary concern both for the population and as a key to
a stable political situation.
Madagascar statistics
Geography
Area: 226,658 square miles
Capital: Antananarivo (pop 1,689,000)
Environmental concerns: soil erosion resulting from deforestation and over
grazing; desertification; water contamination; endangered species
Geographical features: narrow coastal plain; high plateau and mountains in the
center; the world’s fourth largest island
Climate: tropical along the coast; temperate inland; arid in the south
People
16,474,000 people; Malayo Indonesian; Cotiers; French; Indian; Creole; Comoran
Annual growth rate: 3.02%
Major languages are Malagasy and French
Religions: indigenous beliefs (52%); Christian (41%); Muslim (7%)
Health and social issues
Life expectancy: Men, 53 years; women, 58 years
Infant mortality: 81.9 deaths per 1000 live births
70 % of the population lives in poverty
1 physician per 8,628 people
HIV/AIDS rate in adults: 0.15%
46% of adults are literate
Compulsory education (Ages): 6-13 years
Communication and transportation
55,000 main telephone lines
30,000 Internet users (2000)
29,900 miles of highway
530 miles of railroad
130 airfields
76,000 motor vehicles
Government
Madagascar is a republic and gained its independence from France on June 26,
1960
President Marc Ravalomanana is head of state
3 major political parties
Universal suffrage at 18
Military
Military expenditures are 1.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Current disputes include territorial disputes over islands administered by
France and civil strife
Economy
Currency: francs
Per capita GDP: $870
GDP: $ 14 billion
GDP growth rate: 5%
Inflation rate: 7%
Labor force: 80% agriculture
Resources and industry
Natural resources: graphite; chromite; coal; bauxite; salt; quartz; tar sands;
semiprecious stone; mica; fish; hydropower
Agriculture: coffee; vanilla; sugarcane; cloves; cocoa; rice; cassava (tapioca)
beans; bananas; livestock products
Industry: meat processing ; soap; breweries; tanneries; sugar; textiles;
glassware; cement; automobile assembly; paper; petroleum; tourism
Exports: $680 million
Imports: $919 million
Suggested web sites
www.madagascarnews.com
www.sas.upenn.edu
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