Overview

  • Full Country Name: Republic of Madagascar
  • Capital: Antananarivo (population: 0.6 million)
  • Language: Malagasy and French.
  • Currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA) = 5 iraimbilanja.
  • People: Eighteen major ethnic groups, including Malayo-Indonesian, African, Arab, French, Indian, Creole and Comoran.
  • Life Expectancy: Male: 54.57, Female: 59.4.
  • Religion: Christian (41%), Muslim, Traditional beliefs (52%).
  • Size (sq km): 587,000 (45th)
  • Population: 18.6 million (56th)
  • Population Density per sq km: 32 (171st)
  • Country Dialling Code: 261
  • Internet County Code: .mg
  • Time Zone: GMT +3
  • Voltage Guide: 220 AC, 50 Hz.
  • Finance: Limited acceptance of credit cards and traveller's cheques.
  • Business Hours: 0800-1200, 1400-1800 Monday-Saturday (shopping hours, business hours n/a).
  • GDP: US$12.3 billion
  • GDP per Capita: US$800
  • Annual Growth: 4.8%
  • Inflation: 10%
  • Major Industries: Agriculture, meat processing, soap, textiles, cement, automotive assembly, petroleum products.
  • Major Trading Partners: France, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore.
  • Personal Safety: Safe
 Next