Madagascar

Recently, an elite military unit in Madagascar has taken control of the country after a national assembly vote led to the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina. The military backing of youth-led anti-government street protests marked a dramatic shift in the nation's political landscape. This development follows a period of intense political turmoil and unrest within Madagascar.

About Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation in East Africa, situated in the Indian Ocean about 400 km off the coast of Mozambique. It is one of the largest island nations in the world and has a rich history and unique biodiversity.

Geographical Details:

• Location: Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, separated by the Mozambique Channel.

• Size: It is the second-largest island in the world, covering an area of 592,800 sq.km.

• Nearby Islands: To the east are Mauritius and Réunion (a French overseas territory). To the northwest are Mayotte (French territory) and Comoros.

• Highest Point: The Tsaratanana Massif region in the north hosts the highest peak of the island, Maromokotro, at 2,876 meters.

Capital: Antananarivo

• The capital is located in the central highlands, serving as the political and economic hub of Madagascar.

Languages:

• Malagasy (the official language) and French are the main languages spoken.

Government:

• Semi-Presidential Republic: Madagascar has a system where the president is elected by the public and appoints a prime minister to head the government. The country has experienced political instability with periodic coups and military interventions.

Historical Background

• Colonial Era: Madagascar was invaded by France in 1883 and officially became a French colony in 1896.

• Independence: After a violent uprising in 1947 (known as the Malagasy Uprising), Madagascar gained independence from France on June 26, 1960.

• Political Landscape: The country has faced several coups, military rule, and political instability throughout its post-independence history.

Economy

• Agriculture: The economy of Madagascar is predominantly agriculture-based, with 80% of its GDP derived from industries like forestry, fishing, and agriculture.

  • Key exports include coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, and other agricultural products.

• Challenges: Despite its natural resources, Madagascar's economy faces challenges such as political instability, poverty, and environmental degradation.

Biodiversity

Madagascar is famous for its unique biodiversity due to its long isolation from other landmasses.

• High Rate of Endemism: Around 90% of the plants and animals found in Madagascar are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world.

  • The rainforests, deserts, and grasslands host a variety of rare species, such as the lemur, which is synonymous with the island.

  • The island is also home to unique ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests along the coastlines.