Madagascar
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Madagascar is an island country located off the coast of Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Antananarivo. The government is a Unitary semi-presidential republic. The official languages of the country are English and Malagasy. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Madagascar utilizes both public and private facilities to care for its residents.
Safety:
Madagascar is generally considered safe, but like any country, there are certain safety concerns to be aware of. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from parked cars, is common in Madagascar, particularly in urban areas. It is advisable to be vigilant and keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas. Madagascar has experienced political instability in recent years, which has resulted in protests, demonstrations, and occasional outbreaks of violence. It is advisable to avoid political rallies and large public gatherings and to keep up to date with the latest news. Madagascar is a high-risk area for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya. It is advisable to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. Madagascar is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. It is advisable to check the weather forecast and to follow the advice of local authorities in the event of severe weather. Road conditions in Madagascar can be poor, particularly in rural areas, and accidents are not uncommon. It is advisable to exercise caution when driving or traveling on the roads, particularly at night. The country has a diverse landscape that ranges from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and as such, road conditions can vary widely depending on the region. Many roads are unpaved and poorly maintained, which can make driving difficult and dangerous, especially during the rainy season when flooding and mudslides can occur. In addition, the high rate of traffic accidents is a concern in Madagascar. Drivers often disregard traffic laws and signals, and many vehicles are in poor condition, with inadequate lighting and brakes.
Cultural Customs:
Madagascar, located off the southeast coast of Africa, is a culturally diverse country with a rich history and unique customs. Famadihana is a traditional ritual that takes place in Madagascar that involves the exhumation of ancestral remains from their tombs. The remains are then wrapped in fresh cloth and carried around the village in a procession while music is played and people dance. Fady is a set of taboos and prohibitions that are observed in different regions of Madagascar. These rules can vary from region to region, but they are meant to govern people's behavior in order to maintain social order and prevent harm to the community. The people of Madagascar believe in ancestor worship, and they believe that their ancestors can communicate with the living. They often leave offerings at the tombs of their ancestors, and they may also consult with a family member who has passed away in order to seek guidance or ask for blessings. Madagascar has a unique cuisine that incorporates ingredients like rice, zebu (a type of cattle), and coconut. Some of the most popular dishes in Madagascar include ravitoto (a dish made from cassava leaves and shredded meat), romazava (a meat and vegetable stew), and koba (a sweet cake made from rice flour, peanuts, and banana). Music and dance are an important part of Malagasy culture, and there are many different styles of music and dance that are performed throughout the country. Some of the most popular styles include salegy, hiragasy, and tsapiky. In Malagasy culture, elders are highly respected and valued. Children are taught to show respect to their elders from a young age, and it is considered impolite to interrupt or contradict an older person. The extended family is very important in Malagasy culture, and many families live together in large households. It is common for extended family members to work together to support each other, and they may also share resources like food and money.
Geography & Weather:
Madagascar’s climate is mostly tropical, but it is arid in the south-west of the island and temperate in the mountains.
In the city of Antsiranana, which is on the north coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 76 degrees F and December being the hottest month with a median temperature of 82 degrees F. The rainy season is from December - March. The sun shines all year round. The sea temperature is 80 degrees all year.
In Mahajanga, on the north-west coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 77 degrees F and November is the hottest month with a median temperature of 84 degrees F. The rainy season is November - April. The sun is out 9-10 hours a day, all year round. The sea temperature is 82 degrees all year.
In Toliara, on the south-west coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 71 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 71 degrees F and January being the hottest month with a median temperature of 84 degrees F. The rainy season is from December - February, but the rainfall is average. The sun shines 10 hours daily, all year round. The sea temperature is 80 degrees all year.
In Antananarivo, the capital city is located inland, the average temperature ranges from 59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 59 degrees F and December being the hottest month with a median temperature of 72 degrees F. The rainy season is from December - March. The sun shines 7-8 hours daily, all year round.
Economy:
Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The country's economy is predominantly agricultural, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The economy is also dependent on tourism, mining, and manufacturing. The World Bank classifies Madagascar as a low-income country. According to the World Bank, the country's GDP was approximately $12 billion in 2019, with a growth rate of 4.8%. However, the country's economy has been affected by political instability, corruption, and natural disasters. The agricultural sector, which includes rice, cassava, and maize production, accounts for over a quarter of the country's GDP and employs about 80% of the labor force. The country is also the world's leading producer of vanilla, accounting for more than 80% of the world's supply. The mining sector is another important contributor to the economy, with the country being rich in natural resources such as graphite, chromite, and ilmenite. The sector has been boosted by foreign investment in recent years, particularly in the production of nickel and cobalt. The tourism industry is also a significant contributor to the economy, with the country's unique biodiversity and landscapes attracting tourists from around the world. However, the sector has been affected by political instability and security concerns. In summary, Madagascar's economy is largely driven by the agricultural sector, with tourism, mining, and manufacturing also playing important roles. The country faces significant challenges, including political instability, corruption, and natural disasters, which have hindered economic growth and development.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
MGA 1.00 = USD .00025
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
27,691,018
Median Age:
19.6 yrs
Life Expectancy:
68.21 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 30 day (available on arrival at airport) $37
Single entry, 60 day (available on arrival at airport) $45
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes, for naturalized people
Naturalization - Malagasy citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Madagascar for at least five consecutive years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities, have no criminal convictions, economically self sufficient, and is at least 21 years of age. The person must also prove competency in Malagasy.
*Citizenship by investment is available*
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Madagascar as expats or investors. You must have a convertible tourist visa and apply in person with the Ministry of Interior.
Resources:
Madagascar Expat Lifestyle Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Antananarivo
Lot 207 A, Point Liberty
Andranoro, Antehiroka
105 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Telephone: +(261) (20) 23-480-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(261) (20) 23-480-00
Fax: +(261) (20) 23-480-35
Email: AntanACS@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo cannot help you extend your visa