Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It has a population consisting of various ethnic groups and was formerly a French colony, gaining independence in 1960. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, though it has experienced periods of economic instability due to political disputes and currency devaluation.

1. Janvi Shah & Gina Youn . Madagascar

2. Madagascar used to be known as the Malagasy republic An island Southeast of Africa in the Indian Ocean Home to 5% of the animal species Used to be a French colony but gained independence in June 26, 1960 An Introduction

3. The main part of Madagascar’s economy consists of agriculture, fishing, and forestry ( 70% of export earnings). Industrial economy consists of textile manufacturing, and processing of agricultural products. Tourism is also a large part of the economy. Economy

4. 1997-2000 period of economic growth In 2001-2004, a dispute over presidential elections caused the GDP to drop 12.7% Malagasy Ariary’s value dropped significantly 24% inflation Stricter monetary enforcement helped the growth development return to normal Poverty levels are still fairly high Economy Cont.

5. Vanilla has been historically important in Madagascar’s economy. When Coca-Cola switched to a different recipe using less vanilla, Madagascar’s economy fell drastically. Fortunately, Coke switched back to the original recipe and the economy returned to its normal state Madagascar is also known for being the world’s large cinnamon market Economy Cont.

6. The Malagasy are the majority of the people is Madagascar There are two subgroups Those near the higher lands are known as the Merina and the Betsileo Those near the coast are the Tanosy and the Temoro Ethnic Make-up

7. Some other ethnic groups include: Antesaka Betsimisaraka Mahafaly Sakalava Takarana Tsimihety Bara Tanala Mikea Sihanaka Ethnic Makeup Cont.

8. Official languages: Malagasy and French Malagasy is spoken throughout the entire island French is only spoken between the people who are educated English is rarely spoken throughout the country The government is introducing a program that will have the schools teach English to the children Languages

9. In 1958, the constitution noted that French and Malagasy were the official languages No official languages were listed in the constitution of 1992 Malagasy is acknowledged as the “national language” However, there are still arguments that both French and Malagasy are official In the Constitution of 2007, Malagasy was still the national language, but French and English considered to the official languages Languages Cont.

10. Considered to be a multiparty republic They have a president, a parliament , a prime ministry, and a cabinet The president serves a five-year term and can be re-elected twice The National Assembly consists of 160 people Government Coat of Arms

11. The senate consists of 90 senators 60 are elected by the people and 30 are elected by the president They all serve 6-year terms President appoints the Prime Minister President holds the most power Government Cont.

12. The Southeastern wind contributes a large role in the climate of Madagascar Madagascar has two distinct seasons; a hot wet season and a cool dry season. The climate tends to vary with the elevation and position toward the Southeastern wind. East has heaviest rainfall (3.5 meters). This region is known for hot humid climate. Central highlands are drier due to rain shadow effect Lightning tends to be a serious fire hazard in the central highlands were lightning storms are common Climate

13. Southwest and South have desert climate. Only about 30cm of rain falls in the south Surface water is most abundant in the east Madagascar has a serious cyclone season. The last serious cyclone was in 1994 leaving 70 human casualties. Caused about 45 million dollars worth of damage Climate Cont.

14. A little less than half of the people in Madagascar practice tribal religions which emphasize the living and the dead. Around 45% are Christian , either Catholic or Protestant. The remaining people (around 10%) are Muslim . Religions

15. Major imports include : petroleum, consumer goods, food Import partners : (see chart) $ 881 million Imports

16. Major exports include : coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts and livestock products Export partners : (see chart) $ 600 million Exports

17. On the margin of mainstream African foreign relations Welcomes relations with all countries Strong links with United States, Europe, Japan, India, and China Reopened embassy in London in 2004 after 30 years of it being closed Foreign Relations

18. Many natural resources are found in Madagascar, including: Minerals : mica, quartz, graphite, chromite, semiprecious stones Coal, salt, and fish Water ( hydropower ) Natural Resources

19. An island in the Indian Ocean , across from Mozambique Fourth largest island in the world There is a steep escarpment between the plateau and low-lying coastal areas Known as the “Red Island” because of red laterite soil that is being exposed by erosion Geography

20. The highest mountain on the island is Maromokotro , at 9,436 ft , which is about 1/3 that of Mt. Everest. Extensive deforestation and slash-and-burn practices have caused erosion (on right) In the background: the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve , which protects many animals and mangrove forests in the area. Geography Cont.

21. September 23, 2007 - Parliament elections, Tiako I Madagasikara party won 105 of the seats. October 19 - Conflict over a new mining project in Southern Madagascar that is affecting the health of people in the area June 27 - 6 national parks found to be so unique that they were added to the World Heritage List Current Events

22. Name three of Madagascar’s exports Vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts and livestock products How many years does the president serve and how many times can he be re-elected? 5 years, re-elected twice QUIZ TIME!!