Madagascar
Madagascar: Land area rank/Population rank
At a Glance
Official Name: Republic of Madagascar
Continent: Africa
Area: 226,660 square miles (587,040 sq km)
Population: 14,873,387
Capital City: Antananarivo
Largest City: Antananarivo (1,000,000)
Unit of Money: Malagasy franc
Major Languages: Malagasy and French (both official)
Natural Resources: Graphite, chromite, coal
Madagascar map
The Place
Madagascar is about 240 miles (386 km) off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the fourth-largest island in the world.
The northern region of Madagascar has fertile soil and is separated from the rest of the island by mountains. Western Madagascar has wide plains and fertile river valleys, while the east features a narrow plain along the coast. The southern end of the island is mainly desert. Central Madagascar is the island's highest area; its highlands rise to altitudes of 2,000 to 4,000 feet (610 to 1,200 m). This part of the country has been deforested to make room for raising crops and cattle. Madagascar's major rivers are the Betsiboka, Mania, Mangoky, and Onilahy.
The climate is warm and humid in coastal areas, hot and dry in the south, and cool in the highlands.
Madagascar has many types of plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some 1,000 orchid species grow in eastern Madagascar. Several varieties of baobab trees flourish in the drier interior areas. The world's smallest mammal, the dwarf lemur, is native to the island.
Madagascar: Exports $493 million
The People
Madagascar is populated by several ethnic groups of mixed Indonesian and black African descent. People living in the highlands are most closely related to Indonesians.
Madagascar: Ethnic Makeup
Those on the coast are more closely related to black Africans.
The people of Madagascar are called Malagasy. Most Malagasy wear European-style clothing. Each region, however, has a distinctive straw hat that the people wear on special occasions.
Most houses are built of brick and have tile or thatched roofs.
The population grows at an annual rate of about 2.8%. The island's population density is 67 people per square mile (26 people per sq km). Upland areas are more densely populated than coastal regions. Those living in the highland areas have higher incomes than people living on the coast. Life expectancy is 55 years for women and 52 years for men.
Much of Madagascar's economy is based on agriculture. The country is the world's largest vanilla exporter.
Education
Most Malagasy children attend primary schools, and about 20% attend high school. Students are required to go to school for 5 years. Although there are some public schools, Protestant and Catholic missions also educate many young people.
The University of Antananarivo, founded in 1961, is Madagascar's major university. About 4% of the country's students continue on to higher education.
Madagascar has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. About 80% of the population can read and write.
Government
Type: Republic
Structure: Executive
Leader: President/Prime Minister
Defense
NA army personnel
NA tanks
NA major ships
NA combat aircraft
Popular Culture/Daily Life
Madagascar has a thriving wood-carving industry. Natives are known
for crafting detailed tombs and furniture. Embroidery, sewing, and dressmaking are popular activities for many women.
Madagascar's main museums are the Historical Museum and the university's Museum of Art in Antananarivo.
Malagasy believe it is very important to pay homage to the dead. They spend time caring for their ancestor's gravesites. Some gravesites look like small houses. Some Malagasy even perform cattle sacrifices at family tombs to honor ancestors.
