World · permanent entity record · MA
Madagascar
Thirty-second orientation
Madagascar at a glance
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Malagasy (singular and plural); adjective: Malagasy
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- semi-presidential republic
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Languages
- Malagasy (official) 99.9%, French (official) 23.6%, English 8.2%, other 0.6% (2018 est.)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Madagascar through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Madagascar became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,740,678World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 31,345,040 (2025 est.) male: 15,647,362 female: 15,697,678CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $19.6 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $599
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 63.8 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 32.9%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 42.5%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 18.7%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Antananarivo
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 587,041 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 32,740,678
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- Malagasy ariary (MGA)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- Languages
- Malagasy (official) 99.9%, French (official) 23.6%, English 8.2%, other 0.6% (2018 est.)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Malagasy (singular and plural); adjective: Malagasy
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Africa
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
- Coastline
- 4,828 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar/Malagasy Lutheran Church/Anglican Church 34%, Roman Catholic 32.3%, other Christian 8.1%, traditional/Animist 1.7%, Muslim 1.4%, other 0.6%, none 21.9% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- red, green, white
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- traveller's palm (ravenala), zebu
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- Maromokotro · 9,436 ft (2,876 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Indian Ocean · 0 ft (0 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- Madagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on earth to be settled by humans. While there is some evidence of human presence on the island in the millennia B.C., large-scale settlement began between A.D. 350 and 550 with settlers from present-day Indonesia. The island attracted Arab and Persian traders as early as the 7th century, and migrants from Africa arrived around A.D. 1000. Madagascar was a pirate stronghold during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and served as a slave trading center into the 19th century. From the 16th to the late 19th century, a native Merina Kingdom dominated much of Madagascar. The French conquered the island in 1896 and made it a colony; independence was regained in 1960. Free presidential and National Assembly elections were held in 1992-93, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing half the country to secede. In 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. He won a second term in 2006 but, following protests in 2009, handed over power to the military, which then conferred the presidency on the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA, in what amounted to a coup d'etat. After a lengthy mediation process, Madagascar held UN-supported presidential and parliamentary elections in 2013. Former de facto finance minister Hery RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA won in a runoff and was inaugurated in 2014. In 2019, RAJOELINA was declared the winner against RAVALOMANANA. In 2023, RAJOELINA won another term in an election that most of the opposition boycotted, including RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA and RAVALOMANANA, who claimed it was rigged in favor of RAJOELINA. International observers, however, saw no evidence of systemic fraud, leading the international community to accept the election results.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography17 fields
- Location
- Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 587,041 sq km land: 581,540 sq km water: 5,501 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 615 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 70.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 64.1% (2023 est.) forest: 17.5% (2023 est.) other: 12.2% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most of population lives on the eastern half of the island; significant clustering is found in the central highlands and eastern coastline, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural hazards
- periodic cyclones; drought; and locust infestation volcanism: Madagascar's volcanoes have not erupted in recorded history
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel; despite Madagascar’s close proximity to the African continent, ocean currents isolate the island, resulting in high rates of endemic plant and animal species; approximately 90% of the flora and fauna on the island are found nowhere else
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society35 fields
- Population
- total: 31,345,040 (2025 est.) male: 15,647,362 female: 15,697,678
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Nationality
- noun: Malagasy (singular and plural) adjective: Malagasy
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- Malagasy (official) 99.9%, French (official) 23.6%, English 8.2%, other 0.6% (2018 est.) note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar/Malagasy Lutheran Church/Anglican Church 34%, Roman Catholic 32.3%, other Christian 8.1%, traditional/Animist 1.7%, Muslim 1.4%, other 0.6%, none 21.9% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 37% (male 5,507,847/female 5,400,551) 15-64 years: 59.1% (male 8,720,012/female 8,673,880) 65 years and over: 3.9% (2024 est.) (male 532,642/female 617,782)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 73.4 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 66.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 15.3 (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 20.5 years (2025 est.) male: 21.1 years female: 21.5 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 27.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 5.95 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- -0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- most of population lives on the eastern half of the island; significant clustering is found in the central highlands and eastern coastline, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 40.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 4.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 3.872 million ANTANANARIVO (capital) (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Mother's mean age at first birth
- 19.5 years (2021 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 445 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 38.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 40.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 34 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 68.8 years (2024 est.) male: 67.3 years female: 70.3 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 3.47 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 79.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 36% of population (2022 est.) total: 53.5% of population (2022 est.) urban: 20.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 64% of population (2022 est.) total: 46.5% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 3.5% of GDP (2021) 5.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.17 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 53.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 25.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 36.7% of population (2022 est.) urban: 46.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 74.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 63.3% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 0.89 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 24.1% (2025 est.) male: 40.2% (2025 est.) female: 8.2% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 22.6% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 62.3% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 12.7% (2021) women married by age 18: 38.8% (2021) men married by age 18: 11.2% (2021)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 3% of GDP (2023 est.) 18% national budget (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 74.7% (2021 est.) male: 77.9% (2021 est.) female: 71.8% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
- total: 9 years (2019 est.) male: 9 years (2019 est.) female: 9 years (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- erosion and soil degradation from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; agricultural fires; water pollution from raw sewage and other organic wastes; wildlife preservation
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 70.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 64.1% (2023 est.) forest: 17.5% (2023 est.) other: 12.2% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 40.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 4.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 3.936 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.057 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.879 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 16.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 3.769 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9.2% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 395 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 161.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 13 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 337 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government25 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar conventional short form: Madagascar local long form: République de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara local short form: Madagascar/Madagasikara former: Malagasy Republic etymology: a variant of the name was first used by 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco POLO when he confused the island with the Somali port of Mogadishu; the transliteration was later adopted as the official name
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Antananarivo geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name means "City of the Thousand," from the Malagasy an- (a prefix denoting a place name), tanana (town), and arivo (thousand); in the 17th century, King ADRIANJAKA named the original fortress after the 1,000 soldiers stationed there
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- civil law system based on the old French civil code and customary law in matters of marriage, family, and obligation
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: previous 1992; latest passed by referendum 17 November 2010, promulgated 11 December 2010 amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic in consultation with the cabinet or supported by a least two thirds of both the Senate and National Assembly membership; passage requires at least three-fourths approval of both the Senate and National Assembly and approval in a referendum; constitutional articles, including the form and powers of government, the sovereignty of the state, and the autonomy of Madagascar’s collectivities, cannot be amended
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Madagascar; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: Michael RANDRIANIRINA (Col.) head of government: Prime Minister Herintsalama RAJAONARIVELO (since 22 October 2025) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly, appointed by the president most recent election date: 16 November 2023 election results: 2023: Andry RAJOELINA reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Andry RAJOELINA (TGV) 59.0%, Siteny Thierry RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO 14.4%, Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 12.1%, other 14.5% expected date of next election: November 2028 note: on 14 October 2025 Col. Michael Randrianirina, commander of an elite unit of the country’s armed forces, announced the formation of a transitional government made up of civilians, which would rule for two years; the constitution, the country’s top court, and the electoral commission were suspended, and a referendum will be held to formulate a new constitution; the lower house of Parliament was not suspended and impeached former-President Andry RAJOELINA
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislative structure: bicameral
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch - lower chamber
- chamber name: National Assembly (Antenimierampirenena) number of seats: 163 (all directly elected) electoral system: mixed system scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 12/11/2020 parties elected and seats per party: Isika Rehetra Miaraka Amin’i Andry Rajoelina (IRMAR) (84); Firaisankina (22); Independents (50); Other (7) percentage of women in chamber: 14.1% expected date of next election: May 2029
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch - upper chamber
- chamber name: Senate (Antenimierandoholona) number of seats: 18 (12 indirectly elected; 6 appointed) term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 5/29/2024 parties elected and seats per party: IRMAR (10); MALAGASY MIARA-MIAINGA (2) percentage of women in chamber: 11.1% expected date of next election: 31 December 2026
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (consists of 11 members; addresses judicial administration issues only); High Constitutional Court or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle (consists of 9 members); High Court of Justice (consists of 11 members; addresses cases brought against the president of Madagascar and senior officials for high treason, grave violations of the Constitution, or breach of duties incompatible with the exercise of the presidential mandate) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court heads elected by the president and judiciary officials to serve 3-year, single renewable terms; High Constitutional Court members appointed - 3 each by the president, by both legislative bodies, and by the Council of Magistrates; members serve single, 7-year terms; High Court of Justice members include: first president of the Supreme Court; 2 presidents from the Court of Cassation; 2 presidents from the Court of Appeal; 2 deputies from the National Assembly; 2 senators from the Senate; 2 members from the High Council for the Defense of Democracy and the State of law subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Cassation; Courts of First Instance; military courts; traditional courts (dina); Trade Court
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- Group of Young Malagasy Patriots (Groupe des Jeunes Malgaches Patriotes) or GJMP I Love Madagascar (Tiako I Madagasikara) or TIM Isika Rehetra Miaraka amin'i Andry Rajoelina coalition or IRD Malagasy Aware (Malagasy Tonga Saina) or MTS Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana or MATITA or ANGADY Movement for Democracy in Madagascar (Mouvement pour la Démocratie à Madagascar) or MDM Rally for Democratic Socialism (Rassemblement pour Socialisme Démocratique - Nouveau) or RPSD Vaovao Young Malagasies Determined (Tanora Malagasy Vonona) or TGV
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Lantosoa RAKOTOMALALA (since 13 January 2025) chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525 FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034 email address and website: madagascar.embassy.dc@gmail.com https://us-madagascar-embassy.org/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Claire PIERANGELO (since 2 May 2022) embassy: Lot 207A, Andranoro, Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo - Madagascar mailing address: 2040 Antananarivo Place, Washington DC 20521-2040 telephone: [261] 33-44-320-00 FAX: [261] 33-44-320-35 email address and website: antanACS@state.gov https://mg.usembassy.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Independence Day, 26 June (1960)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green, with a vertical white band on the left side meaning: red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, and white for purity
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National symbol(s)
- traveller's palm (ravenala), zebu
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "Ry Tanindraza nay malala o" (O Our Beloved Fatherland) lyrics/music: Pasteur RAHAJASON/Norbert RAHARISOA history: adopted 1959
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National heritage
- total World Heritage Sites: 3 (1 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (n); Ambohimanga Royal Hill (c); Atsinanana Rainforests (n)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy28 fields
- Economic overview
- low-income East African island economy; natural resource rich; extreme poverty; return of political stability has helped growth; sharp tax revenue drop due to COVID-19; leading vanilla producer; environmentally fragile
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $52.968 billion (2024 est.) $50.833 billion (2023 est.) $48.782 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- 4.2% (2024 est.) 4.2% (2023 est.) 4.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $1,700 (2024 est.) $1,600 (2023 est.) $1,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $17.421 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 9.9% (2023 est.) 8.2% (2022 est.) 5.8% (2021 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 22.5% (2024 est.) industry: 22.8% (2024 est.) services: 46.4% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 69.8% (2024 est.) government consumption: 15.3% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 23.6% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.3% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- rice, sugarcane, cassava, sweet potatoes, milk, bananas, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, maize, potatoes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- meat processing, seafood, soap, beer, leather, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism, mining
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- 3.7% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 16.519 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 3.1% (2024 est.) 3.1% (2023 est.) 3.2% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 5.4% (2024 est.) male: 5.3% (2024 est.) female: 5.4% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 2.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.5% of GDP (2022 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $2.066 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $2.876 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Taxes and other revenues
- 9.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- -$829.376 million (2022 est.) -$721.953 million (2021 est.) -$623.653 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $4.689 billion (2022 est.) $3.362 billion (2021 est.) $2.589 billion (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- USA 16%, France 15%, Japan 8%, China 6%, S. Korea 6% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- garments, nickel, vanilla, cloves, gold (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $6.041 billion (2022 est.) $4.769 billion (2021 est.) $3.718 billion (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- China 19%, Oman 13%, France 10%, India 8%, South Africa 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- refined petroleum, rice, fabric, cotton fabric, wheat (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
- $2.785 billion (2024 est.) $2.632 billion (2023 est.) $2.16 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $3.548 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exchange rates
- Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar - 4,525.425 (2024 est.) 4,429.579 (2023 est.) 4,096.116 (2022 est.) 3,829.978 (2021 est.) 3,787.754 (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy6 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 36.1% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 71.6% electrification - rural areas: 10.9%
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 759,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 2.506 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 139 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 64.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 31.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Coal
- consumption: 472,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 472,000 metric tons (2023 est.) proven reserves: 150 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 1.816 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 3,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 23.5 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 76 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach; privately owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns; state-run radio dominates in rural areas; relays of 2 international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 20% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 34,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation5 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- 5R
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Railways
- total: 836 km (2018) narrow gauge: 836 km (2018) 1.000-m gauge
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 29 (2023) by type: general cargo 16, oil tanker 2, other 11
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 13 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 2 very small: 11 ports with oil terminals: 5 key ports: Andoany, Antsiranana, Antsohim Bondrona, Iharana, Mahajanga, Maintirano, Manakara, Mananjary, Maroantsetra, Morondava, Toamasina, Tolanaro, Toliara
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- Madagascar Armed Forces (aka Armed forces of the Republic of Madagascar); Malagasy Army, Naval Forces (or National Navy), Air Force; Malagasy National Gendarmerie (2025) note: the National Gendarmerie is under the Ministry of Defense but separate from the PAF and is responsible for maintaining law and order in rural areas at the village level, protecting government facilities, and operating a maritime police contingent; the National Police under the Ministry of Security is responsible for maintaining law and order in urban areas
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- estimated 13,000 Armed Forces; estimated 10,000 Gendarmerie (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the military's inventory consists mostly of older or secondhand armaments originating from countries such as France, South Africa, the former Soviet Union, the UAE, the UK, and the US (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; service obligation 18 months; conscription available in times of national emergency or war (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the military’s responsibilities include ensuring sovereignty and territorial integrity and protecting Madagascar’s maritime domain, particularly against piracy, drug trafficking, and smuggling; it also assists the Gendarmerie with maintaining law and order in rural areas, largely in areas affected by banditry, cattle rustling, and criminal groups; the military has a history of influence in domestic politics and seized control of the government in October 2025; security relationships have included France, India, and Russia; Madagascar's small Navy has traditionally looked to India for assistance with maritime security (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transnational Issues1 fields
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- refugees: 1,256 (2024 est.) IDPs: 9,868 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.