Country
name: Republic of madagascar
Governement
type: Republic
National
holiday: Independence Day, 26 June
Historical
background: Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French
colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. In 1993 the first
free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17
years of single-party rule. In 2002, Mr Marc Ravalomanana was annonced
the winner of the presidential elections after a long clash with the former
president, Didier Ratisraka.
Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with
a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side. Flag.
National
anthem: listen the anthem
illustrated with the madagascarvian coat of arms. |
 |
 Geographic
coordinates:
20 00
S, 47 00 E
Map:
Madagascar
Highest
point: Maromokotro 2,876 m
Border
countries: World's fourth-largest island; strategic location along
Mozambique Channel
Capital:
Antananarivo
Major
cities: Toamasina, Majunga, Fianarantsoa, Antsirabé, Toliara,
Antsiranana
Population:
17,5 millions (2003)
Density:
28.06 hab./km²
Life
expectancy: 57 years
Ethnic
groups: Malayo-Indonesian, Cotiers, French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
Languages:
French (official), Malagasy (official)
Religion:
Indigenous beliefs (52%), Christian (41%), Muslim (7%)
Currency:
Malagasy franc
GDP
per capita: € 800 (2003)
Internet
country code: .mg |
