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