4. Population: 20,653,556 Pop. Growth rate: 3% Urban pop: 29% Nationality: Malagasy Ethnicity: Malyo-indonesian and Coiters Official Languages: English, French, Malagasy Religions: Indigionous Beliefs: 54%, 41% Christian, 7% Muslum Literacy: 69% Education 3.1% of GDP

5. 2009 Coop Pres. Marc Ravalomanana overthrown Democratically elected Severe limits on speech, assembly, ect. (everything except religion) President Andry Rajoelina Leader of the High Authority of Transition in Madagascar Had been mayor of Antananarivo Dissolved the parliament Promised free elections by fall of 2010

6. Kingdom of Madagascar Ruled the nearby waters and controlled sea trade around southern Africa Abolished slave trade in 1795 Mid 1850’s prohibited Christianity Queen Ranavolona the Cruel 1883 France invades British accept it as a French protectorate French seize full power in 1895

7. Malagasy fought alongside the French during WWII, and were under control of the Vichy French until 1942 Madagascar Plan Malagasy Republic gained autonomy in 1958 Full independence June 26, 1960

8. Republic of Madagascar Capitol: Antananarivo Judicial: Based on French civil law and Malagasy law Accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictions with reservations Like many countries, has compulsory military service

9. Young: Just 34 Has the support of most of the people and all of the military.

10. Dabbled with Socialism, but back to full privatization Agriculture and fishing Poverty Rampant GDP per capita: $1,000 (212 th of 229) Qatar: $110,000 US: $49,000 Belarus: $11,800 Iraq: $3,700

11. Claims French are still “Illegally colonizing” a few islands around the country, not a large dispute. Produces cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption (est. consumption rates = est. production rates) Transshipment stop for Heroin (Most likely from Afghanistan through Pakistan)

12. Poor country Always sides with development and reduction of slums Has legitimacy issues Has not sided with traditionally abrasive governments Has a bit of a drug problem Govt. supports the use of recreational drugs Does not side with Western countries’ attempt to stop drug trade.