Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of Madagascar’s economy. It accounts for more than one-fourth of GDP and employs roughly 80% of the population. Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns. However, expansion in mining and agricultural sectors contributed to growth on the island in 2014.
Name Republic of Madagascar
Capital Antananarivo
Frequency of elections Every five years
Name of parliament National Assembly of Madagascar
Parliament website www.assemblee-nationale.mg
Languages French, Malagasy, English
Area 587 041 km2
Population 23 812 681 (July 2015 est)
Imports Capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food
Exports Coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, clothing, chromite, petroleum products
Currency Malagasy ariary
