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World > Africa > Madagascar
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Madagascar |
Introduction:
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Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.
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| Official name: |
Republic of Madagascar |
| Capital: |
name: Antananarivo
geographic coordinates: 18 55 S, 47 31 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Government type: |
republic |
| Population: |
19,448,815 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages: |
French (official), Malagasy (official) |
| Official Currency: |
Malagasy Franc (MGF) |
| Currency code: |
MGF |
| Area: |
total: 587,040 sq km
land: 581,540 sq km
water: 5,500 sq km |
| Climate: |
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south |
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Map of Madagascar
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