Madagascar Madagascar Flag of Madagascar Red and white

Madagascar

Madagascar

Flag of Madagascar • Red and white were the colors of the Merina kingdom, which succumbed to France in 1896 • Green was the color of the Hova, the prominent class of peasant commoners, that played an important role in anti-French agitation and the independence movement.

Unique Ecology • Isolation from the neighboring continents has resulted in a unique mix of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world • Some ecologists refer to Madagascar as the eighth continent • Madgascar houses 100% of the world's lemurs • The only amphibian is the frog

Climate and Geography • • • tropical along coast temperate inland arid in south narrow coastal plain high plateau and mountains in center world's 46 th-largest country and the fourth largest island

History • Most archaeologists estimate that the human settlement of Madagascar happened between 200 and 500 A. D. , when seafarers from southeast Asia • The written history begins in the 7 th century, when Muslims established trading posts along the northwest coast • The wealth created through trade created a state system ruled by powerful regional monarchs • In the late 17 th century, the French established trading posts along the east coast • France invaded Madagascar in 1883, in what became known as the first Franco-Hova War seeking to restore property that had been confiscated from French citizens • Full independence on June 26, 1960.

Demographics • Capital: Antananarivo • Population: 20, 653, 556 • Religion: 50% of the country's population practice traditional religion & 45% Christian • Official Language: English, French, Malagasy • Life Expectancy: Male 61 & Female 65 years • Population below poverty line: 50% • Area: 226, 597 sq mi • Literacy Rate: 69%

Economy • Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy • World's largest producer and exporter of vanilla • Tourism targets the niche eco-tourism market

Government • Republic • President: Andry Rajoelina • Prime Minister: Roindefo Zafitsimivalo