Madagascar :: History

Madagascar â€Å"Great Red Island† Background Information Government Formal Name: Republic of Madagascar DTA code: MA Government Type: Republic Legal System: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. Foreign Relations: Good relations with many countries, especially France, and the western countries of Africa. Holidays: Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day May 1 - Workers Day May 24- OAU Day June 26- Independence Day Nov 1 - All Saints Day Dec 25- Christmas Dec 30- Republic Day History The Malagasy are of mixed Malayo-Indonesian and African-Arab ancestry. Indonesians are believed to have migrated to the island about B.C.E. 700. Archaeologists have found human remains dating back 2000 years. Madagascar was a favorite base for sea pirates in the 1600’s and 1700’s, including the famous Captain Kidd. The French made the island a protectorate in 1885, and then in 1894-95 ended the monarchy. In 1908 a colonial administration was set up, to which the Comoro Islands were attached. In World War II the British occupied Madagascar, which retained its ties to France. Madagascar became an independent member of the community in 1960. Economy Rated 10th poorest country in the world. Madagascar faces problems of chronic malnutrition and severe loss of forest cover accompanied by erosion. Agriculture Provides almost 80% of exports, 16% of cultivated land is irrigated. Major crops include, coffee, vanilla, sugar cane, cloves, rice, bananas, peanuts; wide spread cattle raising; also extensive fishing. Exports and Imports Major exports are coffee, vanilla, cloves, and sugar. Main markets are France, USA, Germany, and Japan. Major Imports are capital goods, oil, and consumer goods. Main suppliers are France, Japan, and Germany. Culture Society There are some 20 ethnic groups of which principal ones are the Central Highlanders of mixed Arab, African, MalayoIndonsian ancestry. Other groups include, Comorans, French, and IndoPakistanis. The estimated population as of July 2000 was 15,506,472 Language Languages are Malagasy and French. Religion About 55% hold indigenous beliefs, 40% Christian, and 5% Muslim Currency One Malagasy Franc equals one US dollar Geography Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean Area: Slightly less than double the size of Arizona Climate: Tropical along coast, arid in the south Natural Resources: Graphite, Coal, Tar, Stones. Natural Hazards : Periodic Cyclones Ports: 15 major ports Airports: 105 Major Cities and Points of Interest Capital: Antananarivo The city is built on a Y shaped granite mountain surrounded by rice fields. Madagascar :: History Madagascar â€Å"Great Red Island† Background Information Government Formal Name: Republic of Madagascar DTA code: MA Government Type: Republic Legal System: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. Foreign Relations: Good relations with many countries, especially France, and the western countries of Africa. Holidays: Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day May 1 - Workers Day May 24- OAU Day June 26- Independence Day Nov 1 - All Saints Day Dec 25- Christmas Dec 30- Republic Day History The Malagasy are of mixed Malayo-Indonesian and African-Arab ancestry. Indonesians are believed to have migrated to the island about B.C.E. 700. Archaeologists have found human remains dating back 2000 years. Madagascar was a favorite base for sea pirates in the 1600’s and 1700’s, including the famous Captain Kidd. The French made the island a protectorate in 1885, and then in 1894-95 ended the monarchy. In 1908 a colonial administration was set up, to which the Comoro Islands were attached. In World War II the British occupied Madagascar, which retained its ties to France. Madagascar became an independent member of the community in 1960. Economy Rated 10th poorest country in the world. Madagascar faces problems of chronic malnutrition and severe loss of forest cover accompanied by erosion. Agriculture Provides almost 80% of exports, 16% of cultivated land is irrigated. Major crops include, coffee, vanilla, sugar cane, cloves, rice, bananas, peanuts; wide spread cattle raising; also extensive fishing. Exports and Imports Major exports are coffee, vanilla, cloves, and sugar. Main markets are France, USA, Germany, and Japan. Major Imports are capital goods, oil, and consumer goods. Main suppliers are France, Japan, and Germany. Culture Society There are some 20 ethnic groups of which principal ones are the Central Highlanders of mixed Arab, African, MalayoIndonsian ancestry. Other groups include, Comorans, French, and IndoPakistanis. The estimated population as of July 2000 was 15,506,472 Language Languages are Malagasy and French. Religion About 55% hold indigenous beliefs, 40% Christian, and 5% Muslim Currency One Malagasy Franc equals one US dollar Geography Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean Area: Slightly less than double the size of Arizona Climate: Tropical along coast, arid in the south Natural Resources: Graphite, Coal, Tar, Stones. Natural Hazards : Periodic Cyclones Ports: 15 major ports Airports: 105 Major Cities and Points of Interest Capital: Antananarivo The city is built on a Y shaped granite mountain surrounded by rice fields.