Country Profile: Madagascar

Madagascar, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean east of Mozambique, features a diverse geography that ranges from tropical coastal areas to arid southern regions and a high plateau in the center. With a population estimated at over 31 million people, the Malagasy heritage reflects a rich mix of ethnicities including Malayo-Indonesian, African, and Arab influences. The country has a semi-presidential republic government that has seen significant political changes over the years. Despite being rich in natural resources, Madagascar faces economic challenges, including high poverty rates and a reliance on agriculture, particularly as a leading producer of vanilla.

Geography

Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, strategically positioned along the Mozambique Channel. The island covers an area of approximately 587,041 sq km and is characterized by a high plateau and mountains in its center, with a narrow coastal plain surrounding it. With a coastline measuring 4,828 km, the terrain supports a diversity of endemic species due to its isolation from the African mainland.

Highest Point: Maromokotro at 2,876 m
Land Use: 70.3% is agricultural land (2023)
Natural Hazards: Includes periodic cyclones and droughts
Endemic Species: Approximately 90% of flora and fauna unique to the island

People and Society

The current population of Madagascar is estimated to be 31,345,040 in 2025, with a median age of 20.5 years. Malagasy is the official language, spoken by nearly all citizens, while French and English are also used. The country exhibits a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, predominantly of Malayo-Indonesian descent, among others.

Urban Population: 40.6% live in urban areas (2023)
Literacy Rate: 74.7% of the total population (2021)
Life Expectancy: 68.8 years at birth (2024)
Birth Rate: 27.54 births/1,000 population (2025)

Economy

Madagascar's economy is classified as low-income and heavily relies on agriculture, which accounts for 22.5% of its GDP. The country has made strides toward political stability, yet it remains vulnerable to environmental threats. As one of the world's leading vanilla producers, the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in its economy.

GDP (PPP): $52.968 billion (2024)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.2% (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024)
Public Debt: 38.4% of GDP (2016)

Government

Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic with a capital in Antananarivo. The government has seen several shifts in power and governance structures, particularly after recent elections. The legal system is based on French civil law, and the country has a bicameral legislature.

Current President: Andry RAJOELINA (reelected 2023)
Next Election: Scheduled for November 2028
Administrative Divisions: Includes 6 provinces
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age

Military and Security

The Malagasy military, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, has approximately 13,000 personnel and plays a significant role in domestic security and maritime defense. Military expenditures account for 0.7% of GDP.

Military Service Age: 18 years for voluntary service
Estimated Gendarmerie Strength: 10,000 personnel
Military Responsibilities: Includes combating piracy and maintaining law and order
Equipment Origins: Primarily older armaments from countries like France and Russia

Energy

Madagascar faces significant challenges in energy access, with only 36.1% of the population having electricity. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, which accounts for 64.8% of total installed capacity.

Electricity Consumption: 2.506 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Capacity: 759,000 kW (2023)
Rural Electrification Rate: 10.9% (2022)
Coal Consumption: 472,000 metric tons (2023)

Environment

Environmental challenges in Madagascar include deforestation, erosion, and soil degradation, exacerbated by agricultural practices. The country participates in several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Carbon Emissions: 3.936 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023)
Agricultural Land: 70.3% of land use is for agriculture (2023)
Biodiversity: Home to numerous endemic species, contributing to global biodiversity

Transportation

Madagascar has a limited transportation infrastructure with 93 airports and an extensive railway system that primarily uses narrow gauge. The merchant marine fleet comprises 29 vessels, primarily general cargo ships.

Railway Length: 836 km (2018)
Total Ports: 13 (2024)

Communications

Communication infrastructure in Madagascar includes a growing mobile network, with approximately 23.5 million mobile subscriptions. Internet penetration remains low, with about 20% of the population using the internet.

Broadband Subscriptions: 34,000 (2023)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 3,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,345,040 (2025 est.)
Area	587,041 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$52.968 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.1% (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	36.1% (2022 est.)
Birth Rate	27.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	68.8 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	3.936 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Agricultural Land Usage	70.3% (2023 est.)