Madagascar Population: 17,501,871 (July 2004 est.) Capital: Antananarivo [ Select Another Country ]

An Introduction to Madagascar
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.

The Malagasy Flag Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side.

Rankings of The Most Populous Countries in the World.

1. China   2. India   3. United States   4. Indonesia   5. Brazil   6. Russia   7. Pakistan   8. Bangladesh   9. Japan 10. Nigeria

11. Mexico 12. Germany 13. Philippines 14. Vietnam 15. Egypt 16. Turkey 17. Iran 18. Ethiopia 19. Thailand 20. United Kingdom

21. France 22. Italy 23. Congo 24. Ukraine 25. South Korea 26. South Africa 27. Burma 28. Colombia 29. Spain 30. Poland

Some interesting facts and figures about Madagascar. Pop Growth Rate / Year:     • 3.03% Avg. Life Expectancy:     • 54.19 yrs - Male     • 58.96 yrs - Female Phone Lines:     • 59,600 (2003) Televisions:     • 325,000 (1997) Radios:     • 30,500,000 (1997) Internet Code:     • .mg Did you know ... People from Madagascar are called Malagasy