Moving to Madagascar: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

26,955,737

Population Growth Rate

2.65%

Urban Population

32.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

ANTANANARIVO (capital) 1.987 million

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Age Structure

40.170000

Median Age

19.000000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

34

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.1

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.36

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

39.9%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

39.9%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

19.5

Mother's mean age at first birth

19.5

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Ethnic Groups

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Nationality Noun

Malagasy (singular and plural)

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Literacy - total population

68.9%

Literacy - male

75.5%

Literacy - female

62.5%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.7%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

10.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

64.850000

Infant Mortality Rate

46.130000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

46.130000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

240

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.16

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.2

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.1%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

1.6%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

78.200000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

19.200000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

36.8%

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Economic Overview

Madagascar is a mostly unregulated economy with many untapped natural resources, but no capital markets, a weak judicial system, poorly enforced contracts, and rampant government corruption.

The country faces challenges to improve education, healthcare, and the environment to boost long-term economic growth.

Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than one-fourth of GDP and employing roughly 80% of the population.

Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by bushfires, slash-and-burn clearing techniques, and the use of firewood as the primary source of fuel, are serious concerns to the agriculture dependent economy.

After discarding socialist economic policies in the mid-1990s, Madagascar followed a World Bank- and IMF-led policy of privatization and liberalization until a 2009 coup d’état led many nations, including the United States, to suspend non-humanitarian aid until a democratically-elected president was inaugurated in 2014.

The pre-coup strategy had placed the country on a slow and steady growth path from an extremely low starting point.

Exports of apparel boomed after gaining duty-free access to the US market in 2000 under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA); however, Madagascar's failure to comply with the requirements of the AGOA led to the termination of the country's duty-free access in January 2010, a sharp fall in textile production, a loss of more than 100,000 jobs, and a GDP drop of nearly 11%.

Madagascar regained AGOA access in January 2015 and ensuing growth has been slow and fragile.

Madagascar produces around 80% of the world’s vanilla and its reliance on this commodity for most of its foreign exchange is a significant source of vulnerability.

Economic reforms have been modest and the country’s financial sector remains weak, limiting the use of monetary policy to control inflation.

An ongoing IMF program aims to strengthen financial and investment management capacity.

Industries

meat processing, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.4%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$41,820,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.4%

GDP - official exchange rate

$9,514,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 83.2% government
• consumption: 15.3% investment in fixed
• capital: 15.8% investment in
• inventories: -0.1% exports of goods and
• services: 32% imports of goods and
• services: -46.2%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

26.5%

GDP by Sector- Industry

16.9%

GDP by Sector- services

56.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

2%

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Inflation Rate

8.1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Malagasy franc (MGF)

Currency Name and Code

Malagasy Franc (MGF)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

44%

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Labor Force

9,504,000

Major Industries

meat processing, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism

Agriculture Products

coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Population Below Poverty Line

50%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,827,423

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

28%

Child Labor - note

note: data represents children ages 5-17

Annual Budget

$896,900,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

20.1%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Madagascar

Country Name

Madagascar

Local - Long

Republique de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara

Local - Short

Madagascar/Madagasikara

Former Name

Malagasy Republic

Etymology- history of name

the name "Madageiscar" was first used by the 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco POLO, as a corrupted transliteration of Mogadishu, the Somali port with which POLO confused the island

Independence

26 June 1960 (from France)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

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Government Type

semi-presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1992; latest passed by referendum 17 November 2010, promulgated 11 December 2010
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic in consultation with the cabinet or supported by a least two thirds of both the Senate and National Assembly membership; passage requires at least three-fourths approval of both the Senate and National Assembly and approval in a referendum; constitutional articles, including the form and powers of government, the sovereignty of the state, and the autonomy of Madagascar’s collectivities, cannot be amended

Legal System:

civil law system based on the old French civil code and customary law in matters of marriage, family, and obligation

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 16 December 2023)
• head of government: Prime Minister Christian NTSAY (since 6 June 2018)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 16 November 2023 (next to be held in November 2028); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly, appointed by the president
• election results: 2023: Andry RAJOELINA reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Andry RAJOELINA (TGV) 59.0%, Siteny Thierry RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO 14.4%, Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 12.1%, other 14.5% 2018: Andry RAJOELINA elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Andry RAJOELINA (TGV) 39.2%, Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 35.4%, other 25.4%; percent of vote in second round - Andry RAJOELINA 55.7%, Marc RAVALOMANANA 44.3%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Antenimierandoholona (18 seats; 12 members indirectly elected by an electoral college of municipal, communal, regional, and provincial leaders and 6 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly or Antenimierampirenena (151 seats; 87 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 64 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)
• elections:
• Senate - last held on 11 December 2020 (next to be held in December 2025)
• National Assembly - last held on 27 May 2019 (next to be held in 29 May 2024)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; elected seats by party - Irmar 10, Malagasy Miara Miainga 2;
• composition - men 16, women 2, percent of women 11.1%
• National Assembly - percent of vote by coalition/party - IRD coalition 55.6%, TIM 10.6% independents 30.5%, other 3.3%; seats by coalition/party - IRD coalition 84, TIM 16, independents 46, other 5;
• Composition: men 124, women 27, percent of women 17.9%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court heads elected by the president and judiciary officials to serve 3-year, single renewable terms; High Constitutional Court members appointed - 3 each by the president, by both legislative bodies, and by the Council of Magistrates; members serve single, 7-year terms; High Court of Justice members
• include: first president of the Supreme Court; 2 presidents from the Court of Cassation; 2 presidents from the Court of Appeal; 2 deputies from the National Assembly; 2 senators from the Senate; 2 members from the High Council for the Defense of Democracy and the State of law
• subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Cassation; Courts of First Instance; military courts; traditional (dina) courts; Trade Court

Regions or States:

6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Group of Young Malagasy Patriots (Groupe des Jeunes Malgaches Patriotes) or GJMP [Jean Nicolas RANDRIANASOLO]
• I Love Madagascar (Tiako I Madagasikara) or TIM [Marc RAVALOMANANA]
• Isika Rehetra Miaraka amin'i Andry Rajoelina coalition or IRD (electoral coalition includes TGV and other parties)
• Malagasy Aware (Malagasy Tonga Saina) or MTS [Roland RATSIRAKA]
• Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana or MATITA or ANGADY [Hyacinthe Befeno TODIMANANA]
• Movement for Democracy in Madagascar (Mouvement pour la Démocratie à Madagascar) or MDM [Pierrot RAJAONARIVELO]
• Rally for Democratic Socialism (Rassemblement pour Socialisme Démocratique - Nouveau) or RPSD Vaovao [Siteny RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO]
• Young Malagasies Determined (Tanora Malagasy Vonona) or TGV [Andry RAJOELINA]
• Note: Only coalitions/parties with seats in the National Assembly included

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Madagascar; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: unknown

Capital Name

Antananarivo

Capital - geographic coordinate

18 55 S, 47 31 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• CD
• COMESA
• EITI (candidate country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• InOC
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIF
• OPCW
• PCA
• SADC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Claire PIERANGELO (since 2 May 2022)
• Embassy: Lot 207A, Andranoro, Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo - Madagascar
• Mailing Address: 2040 Antananarivo Place, Washington DC 20521-2040
• Telephone: [261] 33-44-320-00
• FAX: [261] 33-44-320-35
• Email: antanACS@state.gov
• Website: https://mg.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Amielle Pelenne NIRINIAVISOA MARCEDA (since 31 October 2019)
• Chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525
• FAX: [1] (202) 265-3034
• Email: contact@us-madagascar-embassy.org
• Website: https://us-madagascar-embassy.org/
• Consulate(s) General: New York

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

20 00 S, 47 00 E

Total Area

226,657 Square Miles 587,041 Square Kilometers

Land Area

224,533 Square Miles 581,540 Square Kilometers

Water Area

2,124 Square Miles 5,501 Square Kilometers

Coastline

3,000 Miles 4,828 Kilometers

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Terrain

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Highest Point

2,876 Meters

Highest Point Location

Maromokotro 2,876 m

Lowest Point Location

Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Irrigated Land

4,193 Square Miles 10,860 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Madagascar's geography creates many climatic subdivisions.

The coastal climate is hot and tropical, with the east coast receiving the most rainfall (more than 160 inches of rain in Maroantsetra.).

This is due to the effect of moisture-laden trade winds off the Indian Ocean as they encounter the steep escarpment of the Madagascar coastline.

The east coast is also most affected by the cyclones which periodically hit the island, often causing extensive damage.

East coast temperatures reach an average high of 85° in the summer and 72° in the winter.

On the west coast, precipitation levels drop off from north to south.

There are desert areas of the deep south which receive only 2 inches of rain per year.

West coast temperatures are generally several degrees warmer than the east coast temperatures.

The central highlands, where the capital Antananarivo is located, have a more temperate climate.

There are two primary seasons; the rainy summer season, which lasts from approximately November through mid-March; and the dry season, from mid-March through October.

In (southern) summer, there are periods of rain almost every day, often in the late afternoon.

Cyclones, which can affect the coastal areas, do not reach the highlands, but their influence can cause extended periods of rain.

The average daily high temperature in summer is in the mid 80's, with a hot mid-day sun alternating with the periods of rain.

Nighttime lows average in the low 60's.

The shoulder months of April, May and September, October are very pleasant, with little rain, blue skies, and daytime highs in the 70's.

In the (southern) winter months of June-August, the skies are often sunny and daytime highs can reach the mid-to-high 60s.

However, there are also chilly days which are overcast and windy with daytime highs in the 50's.

Nighttime lows in winter can drop into the 40's in Antananarivo.

Terrain

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Location

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Total Area

226,657 Square Miles 587,041 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

• soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing
• desertification
• surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes
• several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$1,412,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,958,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar; cotton cloth, chromite, petroleum products

Major Imports

capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Top Export Partners

France 39.2%, US 19.8%, Germany 5.5%, Japan 4.8%, Singapore 4.2%

Top Import Partners

France 37.9%, US 19.1%, Germany 5.3%, Japan 4.7%, Singapore 4.1%

Export Partners

France 39.2%, US 19.8%, Germany 5.5%, Japan 4.8%, Singapore 4.2%

Import Partners

France 37.9%, US 19.1%, Germany 5.3%, Japan 4.7%, Singapore 4.1%

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Country Description

Madagascar is a developing island nation off the east coast of Africa.

The primary languages are French and Malagasy.

French is less spoken outside of major cities.

Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality and are in general limited.

Travelers seeking high-end accommodations should make reservations in advance.

Safety & Security

In March 2009, the democratically elected government of Madagascar resigned in actions that the U.S. government has termed a coup d’état.

Internationally observed presidential and parliamentary elections are currently scheduled for October 25 and December 20, 2013, but spontaneous protests remain possible, particularly in Antananarivo.

Travelers should maintain security awareness at all times and avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations.

Certain large gatherings, such as concerts or scenes of accidents, also may pose a threat to foreigners.

In September 2013, the U.S.

Embassy prohibited U.S. government personnel from visiting or transiting l’Avenue de l’Independence in downtown Antananarivo, after multiple explosive devices were either found or detonated in central Antananarivo.

Travel in the provincial areas is generally safe but caution should be exercised at all times.

At the start of the political crisis in January 2009, a number of provincial capitals experienced political demonstrations that had, on occasion, become violent and resulted in clashes with security forces and looting.

A number of national highways connecting provincial cities and the capital experienced temporary road blocks by political demonstrators resulting in travel delays.

There are random police vehicle checkpoints throughout Madagascar, so all visitors should carry photo identification (residency card, U.S. passport) in the event of police questioning.

These checkpoints are routine in nature, and should not result in vehicle and/or person searches as long as valid identification is shown.

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Crime

Madagascar has experienced a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type.

To put this into perspective, Madagascar remains, by and large, safer than many other African countries and even certain U.S. cities.

Over the last three years, there has been a surge in armed attacks.

The number of reported incidents has increased steadily since 2009, and by mid-2013, the U.S.

Embassy noted reports of more home invasions.

The majority of reported crimes targeted Malagasies and did not involve foreigners.

Carjackings, though infrequent in cities, are known to occur.

There have been many reports of thieves reaching into stopped vehicles, opening unlocked doors, or sometimes breaking the windows to steal cell phones, purses, and even jewelry from their victims.

Keeping windows rolled up and doors locked will minimize these types of situations.

In addition, armed bandit attacks on vehicles carrying goods and people—specifically taxi-bes (which operate within urban centers) and taxi-brousses (which travel to outlying regions) —have increased drastically since 2009 and now occur regularly.

Groups of armed bandits often position themselves on the national routes after dark to ambush vehicles.

Others have involved armed criminals who stage a “breakdown” that blocks the roadway, forcing the victimized driver to slow down, and hence become more vulnerable.

Additionally, sometimes local villagers design a “trap” of sand, a tree log, or some other substance or condition that makes the only viable road impassible.

Local villagers then “assist” the stranded vehicle and expect monetary compensation.

Although the interim government has taken steps to increase checkpoints to deter banditry, the U.S.

Embassy prohibits personnel from traveling at night outside of Antananarivo or the other major cities, due to these attacks and the lack of security force coverage outside of city limits.

All U.S. citizens are advised to avoid unknown taxis, especially if alone or at night.

Another major concerns for visitors, especially those in Antananarivo, are crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and residential and vehicular theft.

Although some of these crimes are non-confrontational, incidents involving violence by assailants do occur and are rising, particularly when the victim resists and when several persons confront the victim.

The U.S.

Embassy has received reports of physical attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, particularly in coastal tourist areas.

A number of these attacks resulted in serious injuries and, in rare cases, fatalities.

Criminal elements in Antananarivo and throughout Madagascar are becoming bolder when selecting their victims, and are also committing more crimes in areas that are considered to be “safe:” those that are generally well-lit and well-traveled by pedestrians and vehicles.

Criminal gangs comprised of felons, ex-military, and police are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, sometimes targeting foreigners.

In April 2013, a Western businessman working in Antananarivo was kidnapped at gunpoint and held for four days before being released for ransom.

Organized gangs of bandits are known to patrol areas where foreigners, who are perceived to be wealthy, tend to congregate.

Crimes such as burglary and robbery also occur in areas outside the capital, and the threat of confrontational and violent crime in rural and isolated areas continues to rise.

Coastal cities like Toamasina and Mahajunga have experienced a particularly significant rise in crime over the last year, and violent assaults on foreign travelers in high-traffic tourist areas, like Nosy Be, the Ankerana and Montagne d’Ambre National Parks adjacent to Diego, and the area surrounding Tolagnaro (Ft.

Dauphin), have also been reported.

To reduce the risk of being victimized, travel in groups and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying costly electronic items (iPods, digital cameras, or high

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating Malagasy laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as child prostitution, are severe.

Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines in Madagascar.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Standards of healthcare throughout Madagascar are well below U.S. standards.

There are small hospitals and clinics in Antananarivo that provide basic but acceptable care for emergencies.

Outside of Antananarivo, the quality of care is very questionable and should only be used when other options are not available.

Caution and good judgment should be exercised when seeking hospital and medical services.

The U.S.

Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and specialists, which can be provided on demand.

Most medications, generally of French or South African origin, are available in Antananarivo.

If you need to refill a prescription from outside of Madagascar, it is important to carry a prescription from your health care provider listing the medicine's generic name, but it is best not to rely on re-filling medications in Madagascar as the availability varies.

Travelers are advised to carry a supply of anti-malarial medication if traveling outside Antananarivo.

U.S. citizens who will be carrying medications with them to Madagascar may wish to contact the Malagasy Embassy in Washington, D.C., regarding any restrictions on imports.

Ambulance services are available in Antananarivo with Assistance Plus at 032 07 801 10 or 22 487 47; Polyclinique d’Ilafy at 22 425 73 or 033 11 458 48; Espace Medical at 22 625 66 or 22 481 73 or 034 05 625 66; and CDU (Centre de Diagnostic Medical d’Urgences) at 22 329 56.

However, due to traffic jams, response times are often dangerously slow.

Assistance Plus has air ambulance capacity for remote and less accessible regions of the country.

Malaria is prevalent, particularly in the coastal regions.

Using preventive measures and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Rabies is endemic, and there are many street dogs.

It is recommended that travelers have the pre-exposure vaccination series prior to arrival in Madagascar.

If bitten by an animal, wash the affected area immediately with soap and running water for ten minutes.

Seek medical care immediately at the Institute Pasteur in Antananarivo.

Plague is also endemic to Madagascar, but casual tourists are unlikely to be infected.

While the reported HIV prevalence rate is low, particularly by African standards, Madagascar suffers from a very high reported incidence of sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis.

The East African Indian Ocean islands have seen a rise in cases of chikungunya, a viral dengue-like ailment, and dengue itself.

As with malaria, chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Every effort should be made to use bed nets, repellants, proper clothing, and barriers that discourage/prevent mosquito bites.

The CDC has further information on chikungunya and dengue on their website.

Travelers should drink bottled water or carbonated beverages.

Local water is not potable.

Water purification tablets may be used as necessary.

Bottled water is readily available.

Traffic Safety

While in Madagascar, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

In Madagascar, you drive on the right side of the road, generally yielding the right of way to vehicles coming in from the left.

Some major intersections and traffic circles have police directing traffic.

If a policeman has his back to you at an intersection, you are required to stop.

Laws make seatbelt use mandatory and prohibit cell phone use while driving, even with a hands-free attachment.

Child safety seats are not mandatory, but motorcycle helmets are required in Madagascar.

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, your car will be impounded for a few days, and you will have to pay a fine.

If you are involved in an accident involving injuries and/or deaths, there is a mandatory court case.

The losing party of the court case must then pay all costs.

Except for Antananarivo’s main streets and a few well-maintained routes to outlying cities, many roads are in various states of disrepair.

Some may be impassable during the November-March rainy season.

Night travel by private or public transportation outside Antananarivo is strongly discouraged, due to poor lighting and road conditions.

Roads tend to be narrow and winding with many one-lane bridges and blind curves, and most roads outside of main routes and city centers are cobblestone, gravel, or packed dirt.

Most vehicles tend to drive in the center of the road unless another vehicle is present.

It is common to find livestock or human-drawn carts in the middle of the road, even at night.

Local practice is to blow the horn before going around a curve, to let others know of one's presence.

There are few pedestrian crosswalks and no working traffic signals.

Travel within Antananarivo can be difficult with poor road signage, streets congested with pedestrians, bicycles, animal carts, vehicular traffic, and an abundance of one-way streets.

Taxis are plentiful and are generally reasonably priced.

Bargain for the fare prior to getting into a vehicle.

Most accidents are pedestrian-related, due to narrow roads and lack of sidewalks on many streets.

When traveling between cities, travelers must have clear directions as there are rarely signs indicating where one must turn to reach a destination.

Conditions of rural roads can degrade significantly and with little notice during the rainy season.

Rental cars generally come with a driver who is responsible for maintaining the vehicle and sometimes acts as a tour guide.

Public transportation is unreliable and vehicles are poorly maintained.

Rail services are extremely limited and unreliable.

The Ministry of Public Works, telephone (20) 22-318-02, is Madagascar's authority responsible for road safety.

During an emergency, visitors to Antananarivo can contact local police by dialing 117, 22-227-35, or 22-357-09/10.

U.S. citizens can also call the U.S.

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Airports - total

83

Airports with Paved Runways

26

Railways

531 Miles 854 Kilometers

Roadways- total

21,422 Miles 34,476 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

3,488 Miles 5,613 Kilometers

Waterways

373 Miles 600 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Antsiranana, Antsohimbondrona, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

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Telephones

181,200

Cell Phones

2,218,000

Internet Users

110,000

Internet Country Code

.mg

Internet Hosts

27,606

Broadcast Media

• state-owned Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM) have an extensive national network reach
• privately owned radio and TV broadcasters in cities and major towns
• state-run radio dominates in rural areas
• relays of 2 international broadcasters are available in Antananarivo

Telephone System

• assessment: system is above average for the region; Antananarivo's main telephone exchange modernized in the late 1990s, but the rest of the analogue-based telephone system is poorly developed
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 40 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 261; landing point for the EASSy, SEACOM, and LION fiber-optic submarine cable systems; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region)

5 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

971,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,045,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,010,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

17,480

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

89

Anthem Lyrics

I Ry Tanindrazanay malala Ry Madagasikara soa Ny fitiavanay anao tsy miala, Fa ho anao doria tokoa Fiverenana Tahionao, ry Zanahary Ity Nosin-dRazanay ity Hiadana sy ho finaritra He!

Sambatra tokoa izahay.

II Ry Tanindrazanay malala Irinay mba hanompoana anao Ny tena sy fo fanahy anananay, 'Zay sarobidy sy mendrika tokoa.

III Ry Tanindrazanay malala Irinay mba hitahiana anao, Ka ilay Nahary izao tontolo izao No fototra ijoroan'ny satanao.