Country Profile: Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, to the east of Mozambique. It is the world's fourth-largest island, characterized by its diverse ecosystem and rich natural resources. The population of approximately 29.5 million is predominantly Malagasy, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds. The economy, classified as low-income, is heavily reliant on agriculture, especially vanilla production, despite experiencing challenges from political instability and environmental issues.

Geography

Madagascar's unique geography features a narrow coastal plain, high plateaus, and a central mountainous region. The island spans an area of 587,041 sq km, with a coastline of 4,828 km. Its tropical climate along the coast transitions to temperate inland and arid conditions in the south, making it an area rich in biodiversity, with around 90% of its flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

587,041 sq km: Total area of Madagascar.
4,828 km: Length of coastline.
70.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
90%: Flora and fauna unique to Madagascar.

People and Society

The population of Madagascar is estimated at 29,452,714 as of 2024, with a median age of 21.3 years. The country exhibits a rich cultural tapestry, with a majority of people identifying as Malagasy and several ethnic groups such as the Merina and Cotiers. Malagasy is the official language, while French and English are also used. The society faces challenges in health and education, reflected in a literacy rate of 74.7%.

29,452,714: Total estimated population (2024).
40.6%: Urban population (2023).
37%: Population under 15 years (2024).
68.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
3.47: Average children per woman (2024).
445: Maternal mortality rate (2023).

Economy

Madagascar's economy is marked by low-income levels, extreme poverty, and a strong reliance on agriculture, with the sector contributing 22.5% of GDP. The return to political stability has fostered economic growth, though the country remains vulnerable to shifts in global markets, especially for key exports like vanilla. The predicted GDP for 2024 is $52.97 billion, showing steady growth.

4.2%: Projected GDP growth rate (2024).
$1,700: GDP per capita (2024).
22.5%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024).
3.1%: Unemployment rate (2024).
22.6%: Investment in fixed capital (2024).

Government

Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic, with the capital in Antananarivo. The government structure consists of an executive branch led by a president and a prime minister, alongside a bicameral legislature. The most recent presidential election was held in November 2023, where Andry Rajoelina was reelected. The political system upholds universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over.

2: Number of elected chambers in the legislature.
6: Administrative provinces.
18: Voting age for citizens.
11: National anthem adopted in 1959.
26 June: Independence Day since 1960 from France.

Military and Security

The Madagascar Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the National Gendarmerie, with around 13,000 personnel. The military budget for 2024 is estimated at 0.7% of GDP. The armed forces play a crucial role in maintaining internal security and sovereignty, particularly against piracy and other maritime threats.

0.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
13,000: Estimated strength of the Armed Forces.
18-25 years: Service age for military enlistment.
10,000: Estimated strength of the Gendarmerie (2025).

Energy

Energy access in Madagascar remains limited, with only 36.1% of the population having electricity as of 2022. The energy sector primarily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for 64.8% of installed capacity. Hydroelectric sources contribute significantly to the energy mix, while coal consumption stood at 472,000 metric tons in 2023.

3.2%: Solar energy share of total capacity (2023).
33%: Hydroelectricity share of total installed capacity (2023).
2.506 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
471,000 metric tons: Coal consumption (2023).

Environment

Madagascar faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Approximately 70.3% of land is utilized for agriculture, putting pressure on natural resources. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, which aim to address some of these challenges.

70.3%: Land used for agricultural purposes (2023).
3.936 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
9.2%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
337 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

Madagascar has a modest transportation infrastructure, featuring 93 airports and a railway network of approximately 836 km. The country’s civil aviation sector is crucial for connecting remote areas and facilitating trade. The ports primarily serve small vessels, with 13 total ports in operation.

93: Total airports (2025).
13: Total ports (2024).
29: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
836 km: Total railway length (2018).

Communications

In terms of telecommunications, Madagascar has a growing mobile market with 25.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions. The internet penetration remains modest, with about 20% of the population having access. Broadcast media is primarily dominated by state-owned entities.

20%: Internet user penetration (2023).
25.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
3,000: Total fixed line subscriptions (2023).
34,000: Total broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	29,452,714	Estimated (2024)
Area	587,041 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$52.968 billion	Estimated (2024)
Energy Consumption per Capita	1.816 million Btu	Estimated (2023)
Birth Rate	27.6 births/1,000	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	3.1%	Estimated (2024)
Life Expectancy	68.8 years	Estimated (2024)
Literacy Rate	74.7%	Estimated (2021)
Military Expenditure (GDP)	0.7%	Estimated (2024)
Urban Population	40.6%	Total urban population (2023)