Madagascar 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 23 201 926 (July 2014 est) Imports Capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food Exports Coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, cotton cloth, clothing, chromite, petroleum products Currency Malagasy ariary Source: CIA World Factbook Image: Gallo/GettyImages