CapitalAntananarivo
Population31,345,040
Area587,041 km²
GDP per capita$1,700
LanguagesMalagasy, French, English, other
CurrencyMalagasy ariary
Life Expectancy68.8 yr
Governmentsemi-presidential republic
Introduction
Background
Madagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on earth to be settled by humans. While there is some evidence of human presence on the island in the millennia B.C., large-scale settlement began between A.D. 350 and 550 with settlers from present-day Indonesia. The island attracted Arab and Persian traders as early as the 7th century, and migrants from Africa arrived around A.D. 1000. Madagascar was a pirate stronghold during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and served as a slave trading center into the 19th century. From the 16th to the late 19th century, a native Merina Kingdom dominated much of Madagascar. The French conquered the island in 1896 and made it a colony; independence was regained in 1960.
Free presidential and National Assembly elections were held in 1992-93, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing half the country to secede. In 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. He won a second term in 2006 but, following protests in 2009, handed over power to the military, which then conferred the presidency on the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA, in what amounted to a coup d'etat. After a lengthy mediation process, Madagascar held UN-supported presidential and parliamentary elections in 2013. Former de facto finance minister Hery RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA won in a runoff and was inaugurated in 2014. In 2019, RAJOELINA was declared the winner against RAVALOMANANA. In 2023, RAJOELINA won another term in an election that most of the opposition boycotted, including RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA and RAVALOMANANA, who claimed it was rigged in favor of RAJOELINA. International observers, however, saw no evidence of systemic fraud, leading the international community to accept the election results.
Geography
Area
land
581,540 sq km
water
5,501 sq km
total
587,041 sq km
Climate
coastal regions are tropical, while the inland areas experience a temperate climate, and the southern part is arid
Terrain
a narrow coastal plain is present, with a central region comprising a high plateau and mountainous terrain
Land use
other
12.2% (2023 est.)
forest
17.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
70.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 64.1% (2023 est.)
Location
located in Southern Africa, this island lies in the Indian Ocean, to the east of Mozambique
Coastline
4,828 km
Elevation
lowest point
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point
Maromokotro 2,876 m
mean elevation
615 m
Irrigated land
10,860 sq km (2012)
Map references
Africa
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
experiences periodic cyclones, droughts, and locust plagues
volcanism: there have been no recorded eruptions from Madagascar's volcanoes
Geography - note
the fourth-largest island globally; it holds a strategic position along the Mozambique Channel; despite its closeness to the African mainland, the island is isolated by ocean currents, leading to a high level of endemic species, with about 90% of its plant and animal life being unique to Madagascar
Natural resources
resources include graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, rare earth elements, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, and hydropower
Area - comparative
nearly four times larger than the state of Georgia; just under twice the size of Arizona
Geographic coordinates
20 00 S, 47 00 E
Population distribution
the majority of the population resides in the eastern part of the island, with notable concentrations in the central highlands and along the eastern coastline, as illustrated in this population distribution map
People & Society
Literacy
male
77.9% (2021 est.)
female
71.8% (2021 est.)
total population
74.7% (2021 est.)
Languages
Malagasy (official) 99.9%, French (official) 23.6%, English 8.2%, other 0.6% (2018 est.)
Religions
Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar/Malagasy Lutheran Church/Anglican Church 34%, Roman Catholic 32.3%, other Christian 8.1%, traditional/Animist 1.7%, Muslim 1.4%, other 0.6%, none 21.9% (2021 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
total population
1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.86 male(s)/female
Birth rate
27.54 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.95 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
21.1 years
total
20.5 years (2025 est.)
female
21.5 years
Population
male
15,647,362
total
31,345,040 (2025 est.)
female
15,697,678
Nationality
noun
Malagasy (singular and plural)
adjective
Malagasy
Tobacco use
male
40.2% (2025 est.)
total
24.1% (2025 est.)
female
8.2% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
40.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
4.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
37% (male 5,507,847/female 5,400,551)
15-64 years
59.1% (male 8,720,012/female 8,673,880)
65 years and over
3.9% (2024 est.) (male 532,642/female 617,782)
Ethnic groups
Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
Child marriage
men married by age 18
11.2% (2021)
women married by age 15
12.7% (2021)
women married by age 18
38.8% (2021)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
73.4 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
66.9 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
15.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
6.5 (2025 est.)
Physician density
0.17 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
3.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
5.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.47 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 36% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 53.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 79.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 64% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 46.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 20.2% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
18% national budget (2019 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
40.9 deaths/1,000 live births
total
38.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
34 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
2.15% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.71 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the majority of the population resides in the eastern portion of the island; notable concentrations are evident in the central highlands and along the eastern coast, as illustrated in this population distribution map
Life expectancy at birth
male
67.3 years
female
70.3 years
total population
68.8 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
445 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 25.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 36.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 53.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 74.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 63.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 46.1% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
0.89 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.872 million ANTANANARIVO (capital) (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.3% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.5 years (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
62.3% (2021 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
22.6% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
9 years (2019 est.)
total
9 years (2019 est.)
female
9 years (2019 est.)
Environment
Climate
coastal regions are tropical, while inland areas experience a temperate climate, and the southern part is arid
Land use
other
12.2% (2023 est.)
forest
17.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
70.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 64.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
40.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
4.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
3.769 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
9.2% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
soil degradation and erosion resulting from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; fires in agricultural areas; pollution of water sources due to untreated sewage and other organic waste; conservation of wildlife
Total water withdrawal
municipal
395 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
161.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
13 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
3.936 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
1.057 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
2.879 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
337 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Government
Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands in red (top) and green, with a vertical white band located on the left side
meaning: red symbolizes sovereignty, green represents hope, and white signifies purity
Capital
name
Antananarivo
etymology
the term translates to "City of the Thousand," derived from the Malagasy an- (a prefix indicating a place), tanana (town), and arivo (thousand); in the 17th century, King ADRIANJAKA designated the original fortress in honor of the 1,000 soldiers stationed there
time difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
18 55 S, 47 31 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
the father must hold citizenship of Madagascar; for children born out of wedlock, the mother must also be a citizen
dual citizenship recognized
no
residency requirement for naturalization
unknown
Constitution
history
previously established in 1992; the most recent version was approved by referendum on 17 November 2010 and enacted on 11 December 2010
amendment process
initiated by the president of the republic in collaboration with the cabinet or supported by at least two-thirds of both the Senate and National Assembly; approval requires three-fourths consent from both legislative bodies and validation in a referendum; constitutional articles, including the structure and powers of government, state sovereignty, and the autonomy of Madagascar’s collectivities, are not subject to amendment
Country name
former
Malagasy Republic
etymology
a variation of the name was first recorded by the 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco POLO, who misidentified the island with the Somali port of Mogadishu; this transliteration was subsequently adopted as the official designation
local long form
République de Madagascar/Repoblikan'i Madagasikara
local short form
Madagascar/Madagasikara
conventional long form
Republic of Madagascar
conventional short form
Madagascar
Independence
26 June 1960 (from France)
Legal system
a civil law framework influenced by the former French civil code and customary law regarding marriage, family, and obligations
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (comprising 11 members; focuses only on judicial administration issues); High Constitutional Court or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle (composed of 9 members); High Court of Justice (consisting of 11 members; handles cases against the president of Madagascar and senior officials for high treason, significant constitutional violations, or breaches of duties incompatible with the presidential mandate)
subordinate courts
Courts of Appeal; Court of Cassation; Courts of First Instance; military courts; traditional courts (dina); Trade Court
judge selection and term of office
Supreme Court heads are elected by the president and judicial officials to serve 3-year terms with one renewal option; members of the High Constitutional Court are appointed—3 each by the president, both legislative chambers, and the Council of Magistrates; these members serve a single, 7-year term; the High Court of Justice includes: the first president of the Supreme Court; 2 presidents from the Court of Cassation; 2 presidents from the Court of Appeal; 2 deputies from the National Assembly; 2 senators from the Senate; 2 members from the High Council for the Defense of Democracy and the State of Law
Executive branch
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
chief of state
Michael RANDRIANIRINA (Col.)
election results
2023: Andry RAJOELINA was reelected president in the first round; vote percentages - Andry RAJOELINA (TGV) 59.0%, Siteny Thierry RANDRIANASOLONIAIKO 14.4%, Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 12.1%, others 14.5%
head of government
Prime Minister Herintsalama RAJAONARIVELO (since 22 October 2025)
most recent election date
16 November 2023
election/appointment process
the president is directly elected through an absolute-majority popular vote over 2 rounds, if necessary, for a term of 5 years (eligible for re-election); the prime minister is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president
expected date of next election
November 2028
National holiday
Independence Day, 26 June (1960)
National color(s)
red, green, white
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
3 (1 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (n); Ambohimanga Royal Hill (c); Atsinanana Rainforests (n)
Political parties
Group of Young Malagasy Patriots (Groupe des Jeunes Malgaches Patriotes) or GJMP
I Love Madagascar (Tiako I Madagasikara) or TIM
Isika Rehetra Miaraka amin'i Andry Rajoelina coalition or IRD
Malagasy Aware (Malagasy Tonga Saina) or MTS
Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana or MATITA or ANGADY
Movement for Democracy in Madagascar (Mouvement pour la Démocratie à Madagascar) or MDM
Rally for Democratic Socialism (Rassemblement pour Socialisme Démocratique - Nouveau) or RPSD Vaovao
Young Malagasies Determined (Tanora Malagasy Vonona) or TGV
Legislative branch
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Ry Tanindraza nay malala o" (O Our Beloved Fatherland)
history
adopted 1959
lyrics/music
Pasteur RAHAJASON/Norbert RAHARISOA
National symbol(s)
traveller's palm (ravenala), zebu
Administrative divisions
6 provinces (faritany): Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly (Antenimierampirenena)
term in office
5 years
number of seats
163 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
12/11/2020
expected date of next election
May 2029
percentage of women in chamber
14.1%
parties elected and seats per party
Isika Rehetra Miaraka Amin’i Andry Rajoelina (IRMAR) (84); Firaisankina (22); Independents (50); Other (7)
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Antenimierandoholona)
term in office
5 years
number of seats
18 (12 indirectly elected; 6 appointed)
most recent election date
5/29/2024
expected date of next election
31 December 2026
percentage of women in chamber
11.1%
parties elected and seats per party
IRMAR (10); MALAGASY MIARA-MIAINGA (2)
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 265-3034
chancery
2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 265-5525
chief of mission
Ambassador Lantosoa RAKOTOMALALA (since 13 January 2025)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://us-madagascar-embassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[261] 33-44-320-35
embassy
Lot 207A, Andranoro, Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo - Madagascar
telephone
[261] 33-44-320-00
mailing address
2040 Antananarivo Place, Washington DC 20521-2040
chief of mission
Ambassador Claire PIERANGELO (since 2 May 2022)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://mg.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Economy
Budget
revenues
$2.066 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures
$2.876 billion (2023 est.)
Exports
Exports 2020
$2.589 billion (2020 est.)
Exports 2021
$3.362 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$4.689 billion (2022 est.)
Imports
Imports 2020
$3.718 billion (2020 est.)
Imports 2021
$4.769 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$6.041 billion (2022 est.)
Industries
meat processing, seafood, soap, beer, leather, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly, paper, petroleum, tourism, mining
Labor force
16.519 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016
38.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
3.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
2.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
2.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Malagasy ariary (MGA) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
3,787.754 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
3,829.978 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
4,096.116 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
4,429.579 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
4,525.425 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$3.548 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
low-income island economy in East Africa; abundant in natural resources; severe poverty; resurgence of political stability has fostered growth; significant decline in tax revenue due to COVID-19; prominent vanilla producer; environmentally vulnerable
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
3.2% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
3.1% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 16%, France 15%, Japan 8%, China 6%, S. Korea 6% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 19%, Oman 13%, France 10%, India 8%, South Africa 5% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$1,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$1,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$1,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
4.2% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
4.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
4.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, sugarcane, cassava, sweet potatoes, milk, bananas, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, maize, potatoes (2023)
Exports - commodities
garments, nickel, vanilla, cloves, gold (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, fabric, cotton fabric, wheat (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2020
-$623.653 million (2020 est.)
Current account balance 2021
-$721.953 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
-$829.376 million (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
9.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$17.421 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
69.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
15.3% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
22.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
23.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-31.3% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
5.8% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
8.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
9.9% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
3.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$48.782 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$50.833 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$52.968 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
5.3% (2024 est.)
total
5.4% (2024 est.)
female
5.4% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$2.16 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$2.632 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$2.785 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
22.8% (2024 est.)
services
46.4% (2024 est.)
agriculture
22.5% (2024 est.)
Energy
Coal
imports
472,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
472,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
150 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
2.506 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
759,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
139 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
10.9%
electrification - urban areas
71.6%
electrification - total population
36.1% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
1.816 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
solar
3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
64.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
31.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
20% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) and Television Malagasy (TVM), both state-owned, have a widespread national network; privately owned radio and television stations operate in urban centers and larger towns; state-operated radio is prevalent in rural regions; as of 2019, relays from two international broadcasters can be accessed in Antananarivo.
Internet country code
.mg
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
3,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2023 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
23.5 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
76 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
34,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2023 est.) less than 1
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
2
medium
0
key ports
Andoany, Antsiranana, Antsohim Bondrona, Iharana, Mahajanga, Maintirano, Manakara, Mananjary, Maroantsetra, Morondava, Toamasina, Tolanaro, Toliara
very small
11
total ports
13 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
5
Airports
93 (2025)
Railways
total
836 km (2018)
narrow gauge
836 km (2018) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total
29 (2023)
by type
general cargo 16, oil tanker 2, other 11
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5R
Military & Security
Military - note
The duties of the military encompass safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity while also defending Madagascar's maritime zone, especially against threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and smuggling. Additionally, it supports the Gendarmerie in enforcing law and order in rural regions, particularly those impacted by banditry, cattle rustling, and organized crime. Historically, the military has played a significant role in domestic politics, having taken control of the government in October 2025. Security partnerships have been established with countries including France, India, and Russia. Traditionally, Madagascar's modest Navy has sought assistance from India regarding maritime security (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Madagascar Armed Forces (also known as Armed Forces of the Republic of Madagascar); includes the Malagasy Army, Naval Forces (or National Navy), and Air Force; Malagasy National Gendarmerie (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Individuals can voluntarily enlist in the military starting at the age of 18, with a service commitment of 18 months. Conscription is an option during national emergencies or wartime (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The military's arsenal primarily comprises older or secondhand weaponry sourced from nations such as France, South Africa, the former Soviet Union, the UAE, the UK, and the US (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The Armed Forces are estimated to number around 13,000, while the Gendarmerie is estimated at approximately 10,000 (2025).
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
9,868 (2024 est.)
refugees
1,256 (2024 est.)
