Madagascar The largest island in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is an ethnically diverse country with a language and culture owing more to Indonesia than to Africa despite its geographical position. The former French colony has had a succession of non-democratic power changes since independence; the most recent, in 2009, brought international condemnation. The majority of the population who are subsistence farmers and/or informally employed lack protection from labour laws and suffer economic uncertainty. The Facts Capital: Antananarivo Major religions: Traditional beliefs, Christianity Main Languages: Malagasy, English Key exports: vanilla, coffee, petroleum products, seafood Government: High Transitional Authority President: Andry Rajoelina Most recent Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2006/2007 Next scheduled Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2011/2011 The Figures HIV prevalence: 0.1% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%) Adult literacy rate: 71% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%) GDP per capita: US$958 (UK: US$34,340) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years (UK: 80 years) Under-five mortality rate: 106 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births) 2010 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 169 countries): 135 For information on Madagascar's history, politics, economy and more, view ACTSA's full Madagascar Country Profile.

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