Madagascar

Background

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1886, 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.

Madagascar faces problems of chronic malnutrition, under-funded health and education facilities, a roughly 3% annual population growth rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for one-third of GDP and contributing more than 70% to export earnings. Industry features textile manufacturing and the processing of agricultural products. Growth in output in 1992-97 averaged less than the growth rate of the population. Growth has been held back by anti-government strikes and demonstrations, a decline in world coffee prices, and the erratic commitment of the government to economic reform. The extent of government reforms, outside financial aid, and foreign investment will be key determinants of future growth.

Holidays

Ps: The Festivals' date(*) are subject to change in every new year.

Phone Codes

Country Code: 261
Outgoing International Code: 16

Resources

Market Research

CIA - The World Factbook - Republic of Madagascar
This website indicates a wide range of detail information about Madagascar by introducing under 8 different fields as its geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, transnational issues.

About Madagascar
There is available to find out Madagascar's general outlook on the issues of its social and business profile, passport/visa, money, accommodation, government, duty free, health and so forth.

Doing Business in Madagascar
World Bank represents a snapshot of the business climate in Madagascar by identifying specific regulations and policies that encourage or discourage investment, productivity, and growth related to Madagascar.   

Business Directory - Madagascar
Wow-directory offers business resources and services by creating cross-referenced categories in business opportunities for Madagascar as business to business, classifieds, cooperatives, directories, organizations & trade.

Madagascar - INDEX
There is available to find out a list of sites were you can expect to find specific information about Madagascar when searching their database on the word "Madagascar".

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs - For Madagascar
U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs creates a wide range of research named as Consular Information Sheet about Madagascar in terms of analyzing its social, political, cultural & economic environments.

African Studies: Madagascar
There is a wide range of research about Madagascar's business & economic profile.

World Trade Organization(WTO): Madagascar
World Trade Organization(WTO) supplies the trade policy reviews of republic of Madagascar in order to display the recent economic and business developments realized after introducing the economic improvement packages by WTO.

U.S. Department of State: Country Commercial Guide: Madagascar
The country commercial reports are prepared annually by U.S. Embassies with the assistance of several U.S. Government agencies that basically offers a comprehensive outlook at Madagascar's commercial environments, using economic, political, and market analysis.

Trade Information

Embassy Listings For Madagascar
There are listed the embassies of the republic of the Madagascar including the embassies' contact information.

Madagascar Government Online
It displays the structure of Madagascar government by looking at its political units, branches, ministries, embassies and so forth in details.