Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$1,000 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

9.2% (2008 est.)

Population

20,653,556 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

C

Ease of Doing Business

144/181

Global Competitiveness

3.38/134

Country Map

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Madagascar : Introduction

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained 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. RAVALOMANANA is now in his second term following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair presidential elections of 2006.

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Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (October 2009)