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Sub Saharan Africa

Madagascar
Last updated: 20 July 2009

Country information

Area: 587,040 sq km
Population: 19,100,000 (IMF, 2008 est.)
Capital city: Antananarivo
People: Malagasy
Languages: Malagasy, French
Religion(s): Christianity (41%); indigenous beliefs; Islam (7%)
Currency: Ariary. (The old Malagasy Franc ceased to exist in January 2006.)
Major political parties: Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM), Firaisankinam-pirenena, Association pour la renaissance de Madagascar (AREMA), Leader-Fanilo, Renovation du partie social democrate (RPSD)
Head of State: President Marc Ravalomanana (in exile since March 2009 coup)
Membership of International Groupings/Organisations: African Union (AU) – currently suspended, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC), Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – currently suspended, and the Francophone Organisation (OIF).

HEALTH

Health requirements: Health Needs

Country information

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Travel Advice

Madagascar 

See Also

Useful Links

• BBC News: Africa BBC News Country Profile: Madagascar 
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• African Union
• Southern Africa Development Community
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