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Madagascar

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Explore how Madagascar protects its unique biodiversity and promotes sustainability for responsible development on Innovando.News: Madagascar, one of the most fascinating and biologically diverse islands in the world, is a country that combines a rich cultural tradition with extraordinary nature. Located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa, the country boasts a diverse geography that ranges from mountains and rainforests to sandy shores and bays. The capital Antananarivo is the political and economic heart of the country, while other cities such as Toamasina and Antsirabe play key roles in trade and agriculture. Despite its natural wealth, North Macedonia faces economic challenges related to poverty, unemployment and one of the lowest GDP per capita in the world. The agricultural sector, which includes products such as vanilla, coffee and spices, is crucial to the economy. The country also has great potential in tourism, thanks to its unique biodiversity, but political and social difficulties continue to limit development.

Madagascar summary data

  • Total population: Approximately 30,5 million inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: Around 2,7% per year, with high growth thanks to relatively high birth rates.
  • Capital: Antananarivo, with approximately 1,6 million inhabitants.
  • Main cities: In addition to Antananarivo, other important cities include Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, ​​Mahajanga and Antsiranana.
  • Countries it borders: Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean and has no land borders with other countries. It is located about 400 km from the east coast of the African continent.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 14 billion.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Around USD 500, one of the lowest in the world.
  • GDP growth rate: Around 5% in 2022, supported by agriculture, mining and growth in services sectors.
  • Inflation: About 7%, mainly influenced by global price trends and rising food and fuel costs.
  • Unemployment rate: About 4%, but youth unemployment and underemployment are very high.
  • Trade balance: Negative, with a large trade deficit due to imports of consumer goods, energy products and industrial equipment.
  • Major business partners: France, China, United States, Italy and Japan.
  • Public debt: Around 40-45% of GDP, with unstable fiscal management but growing support from international organizations.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): About 0,3% of GDP, with investments mainly in agriculture, natural resources and education.
  • Main economic sectors: Agriculture (vanilla, coffee, rice, spices), minerals (graphite, precious stones), fishing and tourism.
  • Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
  • Interest rate: Approximately 8-10%, set by the Central Bank of Madagascar.
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 4 billion.
  • Main exports: Vanilla, coffee, cocoa, fruit, minerals (graphite, precious stones) and fish products.
  • Main imports: Oil, machinery, vehicles, chemicals, processed foods.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Low, with a score of around 0,528, reflecting challenges in education, health and economic development.
  • Literacy rate: About 65%, with an education system that is improving, but still affected by problems of access and quality.
  • Life expectancy: About 66 years old, affected by malnutrition, infectious diseases and limited access to health care.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Low ranking, with little investment in research and technology, but with some progress in agriculture and natural resources.
  • Corruption Perception Index: High perception of corruption, with a score of around 28 out of 100, linked to the management of public resources and political difficulties.

Insights into Madagascar

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: Republic of Madagascar (Republic of Madagascar (in Malagasy).
  • Short form and long form: Madagascar (short form); Republic of Madagascar (long form).

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, separated from the African continent by the Strait of Mozambique. It is the fourth largest island country in the world.
  • Area Approximately 587.041 km².
  • Description of the landscape: Madagascar has a varied geography that includes mountains, plains, rainforests, savannahs and a long coastline. The interior of the island is mountainous, with Mount Maromokotro being the highest point. The coast is characterized by sandy beaches, bays and a rich biodiversity, with many endemic species. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the mountainous areas.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 30 million people (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Around 2,7% per year, a growth supported by the high birth rate.
  • Major cities and population distribution:
    • Antananarivo: The capital and largest city, located in the central areas of the island.
    • Toamasina and Antsirabe: Other major cities, Toamasina is the main commercial port, while Antsirabe is an industrial and agricultural center.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: Antananarivo.
  • Information on the main cities:
    • Antananarivo: Located in the central region, it is the political, economic and cultural heart of Madagascar. It is famous for its traditional architecture and lively market. The city is built on hills, with a picturesque cityscape.
    • Toamasina: Madagascar's largest port, located on the east coast, is essential for trade and maritime transport.
    • Antsirabe: A city located in the southwest, famous for its thermal waters and its agricultural industry.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Madagascar's nominal GDP is approximately USD 13 billion, with a GDP per capita of approximately USD 440.

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

  • Agriculture: Agriculture is the dominant sector, with the production of rice, coffee, vanilla, spices, fruits and roots. Madagascar is one of the world's largest producers of vanilla and lychees.
  • Industry: The industrial sector is small but growing, including food processing, textiles, clothing and mineral products. Fishing and nickel mining are other important sectors.
  • Services: The service sector, although growing, is still less developed than other sectors. Tourism has significant potential, thanks to biodiversity and natural resources.

GDP growth rate and inflation

The GDP growth rate is positive, averaging 4-5% per year, although inflation is moderate, around 7% in recent years.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

Unemployment is high, especially in rural areas, and it is estimated that about 15% of the population is unemployed. The trade balance is negative, as the country relies heavily on imports of consumer goods and industrial equipment.

Public debt

Madagascar's public debt is managed mainly through international loans, but its management is complicated by the country's economic vulnerability.

Main exports and imports

  • Main exports: Vanilla, coffee, spices, fish, gold and minerals.
  • Main imports: Oil, machinery, food, consumer goods and chemicals.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Presidential republic.
  • Political structure: Madagascar is a republic with an elected president and a bicameral parliament. The president holds executive power, while the parliament, composed of a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate, has a legislative role.
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: The main political parties include the ruling party "TGV" (Teraka Vaozo Gasy) and the divided opposition. Presidential and parliamentary elections are held every five years.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Madagascar has a complex history that includes influences from Austronesian and Bantu peoples. It was an independent kingdom until the late 1960th century, when it became a French colony. After World War II, the country gained independence from France in XNUMX. Since then, Madagascar's political history has been marked by coups and internal conflicts. The country has gone through periods of political instability, but has recently begun processes of democratization.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

The official language is Malagasy, while French is also widely used. Malagasy culture is a fusion of African, Asian, and French traditions. Music, traditional dance, and crafts, such as weaving and woodworking, are central parts of the local culture.

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

  • UNESCO Sites: Ranomafana National Park, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and the city of Antananarivo are recognized as World Heritage Sites.
  • Cultural events: The Antananarivo Music Festival and the Antsirabe Dance Festival are annual events that celebrate the country's music, dance and cultural traditions.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Madagascar's position in the global innovation index is low, but the country is trying to improve access to education and technology.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: Spending on research and development is limited, but there are growing initiatives, especially in the agricultural and ecological sectors.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: The innovations focus mainly on sustainable agriculture, natural resources management and the tourism sector.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 70%, but there are significant disparities between urban and rural areas.
  • Structure of the education system: Education is free, but quality varies by region. Primary schools are widely available, but access to higher education is limited. Major universities include the University of Antananarivo.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: The health system is underfunded and insufficient in many rural areas. Health facilities are mainly concentrated in urban areas.
  • Life expectancy: About 66 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Medium-low, with an HDI of around 0,50, reflecting the country's economic and social challenges.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Corruption is a persistent problem, with Madagascar ranking low in the CPI index.
  • Position in global economic indices: Lithuania has improved its global competitiveness but remains one of the most vulnerable economies on the African continent.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Madagascar is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, but its environmental policies are underfunded. Efforts are underway to combat deforestation and protect endangered species.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: The country participates in international initiatives for environmental conservation, but funding and implementation are limited.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country:
    • Madagascar is famous for its unique fauna and flora, with endemic species such as lemurs and baobabs.
    • The country is also known for its unique handicraft traditions and the culture of "fomba", a ritual of honoring ancestors.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties:
    • Independence Day (June 26): Celebrates independence from France.
    • Local cuisine: Il romazava (meat stew with vegetables), the ravitoto (cassava leaves with pork) and the zebu (local beef) are among the typical specialties.

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