Madagascar
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 32
Currency
💱 Malagasy ariary
Languages
🗣️ French, Malagasy
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Madagascar
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Malagasy
Independence
June 26, 1960 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.mg
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+261
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Antananarivo
ISO Alpha-2
MG
ISO Alpha-3
MDG
UN Code
450
Geographic Coordinates
-20,47
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
587,041#46 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
32,658,977#49 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
53.62
Highest Point (m)
2,876 meters (Maromokotro)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Indian Ocean)
Land Use
42% forests, 58% other.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 12,500 sq km.
Coastline Length
4,800 km
Climate
Tropical along the coast, temperate inland, arid in the south.
Natural Resources
Graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, mica, fish, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
Ikopa River, Mangoky River, Betsiboka River.
Major Lakes
Lake Alaotra.
Government Type
Semi-presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
23 regions (faritra)
Legal System
Based on French civil law and customary law.
Chief of State
President Andry Rajoelina
Head of Government
Prime Minister Christian Ntsay
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years. Legislative elections are also held.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; High Court of Justice; Constitutional Court.
Legislative Branch
Parliament (Assemblée Nationale and Sénat)
Major Political Parties
Various political parties exist, with frequent shifts in alliances.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Malagasy ariary
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19.62#137 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
63.93#125 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
599.27#208 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.7
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
23.9
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.83
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.05#34 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
17,092,352
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.04#144 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 50% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
The budget details are subject to change; consult official government sources for specifics.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.19#137 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.46#135 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves fluctuates; check current financial reports.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates fluctuate; consult a reputable financial source for up-to-date information.
GDP by Sector
Primarily agriculture, services, and industry.
Major Industries
Agriculture, textiles, mining, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
France, United States, and Germany.
Major Import Partners
China, France, and India.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
74.69#131 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
31.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1 migrant per 1,000 population (2021 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 19 years (2021 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.9#186 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
63.8#193 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.4% (adult prevalence, 2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.43
Ethnic Groups
Malagasy (18 distinct ethnic groups), with small populations of French, Indian, Chinese and Comoran.
Religions
Christianity (primarily Catholic and Protestant), traditional beliefs, and Islam.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French, Malagasy
Education
Education System
Public and private education systems; primary, secondary, and higher education levels; French and Malagasy are languages of instruction.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
10.2
Government Education Spending
Relatively low government spending on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Antananarivo, University of Fianarantsoa.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Blend of African, Asian, and European influences; strong emphasis on family and community; traditional music, dance, and arts.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Martyrs' Day (2026-03-29)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
- Independence Day (2026-06-26)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- All Saints' Day (2026-11-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Hira Gasy, Salegy, and various modern genres.
Traditional Food
Romazava (meat stew), vary amin'anana (rice with greens), and seafood.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.
Major Festivals
Donia Music Festival, Fihavanana Festival.
Famous People
Rina Ralay, Andry Rajoelina.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Numerous historic sites and landmarks reflecting the island's unique cultural blend.
UNESCO Sites
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga.
Annual Tourist Visits
Moderate annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism focused on unique biodiversity and landscapes.
Top Tourist Attractions
Avenue of the Baobabs, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Isalo National Park.
Famous Cities
Antananarivo, Toamasina, Antsirabe.
National Parks
Numerous national parks protecting unique flora and fauna.
Protected Areas
Extensive protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa required for many nationalities; e-visa available.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and potential political instability.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index can vary. Consult latest global health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service; confirm costs with providers.
Number of Hospitals
The number of hospitals changes; consult recent health reports for updated figures.
Universal Healthcare
Limited universal healthcare coverage, mainly in urban areas; significant reliance on out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Services Overview
Medical facilities and services vary between urban and rural areas; it is recommended to have travel insurance.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas; access may be limited in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
117
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
118
Emergency Number (Fire)
118
Crime Rate
Moderate crime rate.
Safety Index
Moderate safety index.
Military Expenditure
Low military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are limited and can be slow to respond, particularly outside urban areas.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Low electricity access, especially in rural areas; reliance on off-grid solutions.
Water Access
Variable access to safe water; improvements needed in many areas.
Sanitation Access
Poor sanitation access; significant challenges in waste management.
Railways
Limited railway network, primarily for freight transport.
Roadways
Limited road infrastructure; many unpaved roads; road conditions vary greatly.
Transportation System
Road network is underdeveloped; air travel is important for inter-city travel; public transportation in urban areas.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Amborovy Airport (MJN), Ivato International Airport (TNR), Nosy Be International Airport (NOS), Toamasina Ambalamanasy Airport (TMM), Ambalabe Airport (WAI), Analalava Airport (HVA)
Ports
Major ports include Toamasina and Antsiranana; essential for trade.
Public Transit
Limited public transit; mainly taxis and buses in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.68#195 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Moderate mobile subscriptions.
Tech Startups
Nascent tech startup scene.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.15#185 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally poor, with particulate matter a significant concern in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
High, due to inadequate sanitation, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited, primarily hydropower and some solar initiatives; low overall.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss are major concerns.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, droughts, floods, and locust infestations.
Waste Management
Inadequate; informal waste disposal and limited recycling infrastructure.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Part of various international treaties related to climate change, biodiversity, and human rights.
Visa-Free Countries
Has visa-free access to a limited number of countries.