Madagascar: History

France takes control of Madagascar and makes it a protectorate.

Madagascar becomes an overseas territory of France.

Madagascar becomes an independent nation.

The country is renamed the Democratic Republic of Madagascar. 

The International Monetary Fund writes off $2 billion of Madagascar's debt, which is approximately half of the country's total debt.

Madagascar is the first country to receive US development aid after the country was able to meet Washington's requirements of promoting democracy and market reforms.

Government opens a $3.3 billion nickel cobalt mining project in Tamatave.

Cyclone Ivan hits the island, leaving more that 300,000 people homeless and killing 93 people. Barrels of crude oil are produced for the first time in 60 years.

Dozens are killed as a result of violent protests in Antananarivo following the closure of opposition TV and radio stations.  Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina calls on the president to resign, and proclaims himself in charge of the country.

New unity government is unveiled. Opposition parties agree to join new government "with reservations".

After weeks of demonstrations and protests, the Supreme Court scraps electoral laws that were suspected of attempting to prohibit potential candidates.