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“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...