
Republic of Madagascar is located in the south Indian Ocean of the African Continent, with a population of 22,599,098,
making it the 52nd largest national population. Its capital and largest city is Antananarivo with a total population of
1,918,117. The country encompasses 587,041 square kilometers making it the 47th largest country in total area. It shares
boundaries with the Indian Ocean.
Andry Nirina Rajoelina has declared himself President and assumed the titles of Chief of State following a coup ending 17
March 2009, leading to the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana and Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara.
Opposing parties have agreed to recognize Rajoelina as President and Chief of State . Prime Minister Jean Omer Beriziky is
recognized as the Head of Government and, along with Deputy Prime Ministers Hajo Andrianainarivelo and Pierrot
Botozaza, achieved that status through the establish of a "unity" cabinet formed by rival parties. Under the agreement,
Rajoelina will not stand for reelection in upcoming presidential contest Its form of government is a republic and they
celebrate the creation of their constitution on 11 December 2010.
The languages commonly or officially spoken are French and Malagasy. It counts among its major religions indigenous
beliefs, Christian and Muslim. As sources of mass communication it has 2 AM, 9 FM, 6 Short Wave and 1 Television
stations.
Major geographical features are Maromokotro, its highest point at 2,876 meters and the Indian Ocean, its lowest point at 0
meters. Its principal waterway is the Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel, which measures 600 kilometers.
Major industries providing for the bulk of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are meat processing, seafood, soap,
breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum and tourism. Its
official currency is Madagascar Ariary.
Here’s something you may not know about Madagascar. Madagascar’s largest predator-the Fossa- has a cat-like body but
a dog-like nose however it is neither a cat nor a dog. This endangered animal is actually a close cousin of the mongoose.
Indian Ocean looking towards Comoros- Madagascar's lowest point
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Traditional Romazava- a mixed meat stew that is Madagascar's national dish served over rice made with zebu meat
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Madagascar hissing cockroaches
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MADAGASCAR
Updated 05 April 2013
Adult Prevalence Rate:
People Living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS Deaths:
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0.2% (2009 est.)
24,000
1,700
Fossa- a species unique to Madagascar
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Antananarivo at sunset- Madagascar's capital and largest city
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Maromokotro- Madagascar's highest point
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Tenrec- a kind of hedgehog found only in Madagascar
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Malagasy lady in a lamba- the traditional dress of Madagascar
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Antalaha- the easternmost point of Madagascar on the Indian Ocean
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Cap Sainte-Marie- Madagascar's southernmost point
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Iles Glorieuses- an island chain north of Madagascar claimed by France in the Comoros chain
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Morombe Bay- Madagascar's westernmost point on Mozambique Channel
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Pirate cemetery on Ile Sainte-Marie off Madagascar's east coast
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Cap d'Ambre- Mozambique's northernmost point
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Read about human rights in Pax
Gaea World Post Report!