|
|
 100 B.C.: Madagascar was settled by migrants from Malaysian and Indonesian islands. Although Arabs and Africans arrive later, the island is still mostly Asian in culture. 16th century: Portuguese attempt to form a colony but fail. 1700s-1800s: British rule the country. 1896: Becomes a French colony. 1960: Becomes an independent nation. 1972: The government is overthrown and the country experiences repression and economic troubles. Recent years: The new government becomes more moderate. |
MADAGASCAR Democratic Republic of Madagascar
|
| Noun People from Madagascar are called Malagasy. | |
 |
Location Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. |
 |
Size slightly less than twice the size of Arizona |
 |
Coastline Madagascar is completely surrounded by the Indian Ocean. |
 |
Terrain Madagascar has a narrow coastal plain with a high plateau and mountains in the center. |
 |
Land use 4% of Madagascar is fertile and can be used to grow crops. 1% of the land is used for permanent crops. 58% is taken up by pastures and meadows. 26% of the land is made up of forests. 11% is left over for other uses. |
 |
Capital Antananarivo, which is home to more than 600,000 people, is Madagascar's capital (1985 estimate). |
 |
Independence On June 26, 1960 Madagascar gained independence from France. |
 |
National holiday Independence Day, June 26 (1960) |
 |
Languages French and Malagasy are the official languages. |
 |
Population Over 13 million (1995 est.) |
 |
Age 47% of all Malagasy are between 0-14 years of age. 50% of the population is between 15-64 years old. The remaining 3% are 65 years and over. |
 |
Life expectancy at birth Male Malagasy are expected to live to be 52. Female Malagasy are expected to live to be 56. |
 |
Total fertility rate Women have an average of 6-7 children each. |
 |
Ethnic divisions Many different groups, including Malayo-Indonesian, Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry), French, Indian, Creole, and Comoran. |
 |
Religions 52% of Malagasy follow indigenous beliefs, while 41% are Christian and 7% are Muslim. |
 |
Literacy 80% of all Malagasy are literate. 88% of males can read and write. 73% of females can read and write. |
