Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme); High Constitutional
Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle)
Political parties and leaders: Committee of Living Forces (CFV),
an alliance of National Union for Development and Democracy (UNDD),
Support Group for Democracy and Development in Madagascar (CSDDM),
Action and Reflection Group for the Development of Madagascar
(GRAD), Congress Party for Madagascar Independence - Renewal
(AKFM-Fanavaozana), and some 12 other parties, trade unions, and
religious groups; Militant Party for the Development of Madagascar
(PMDM/MFM), formerly the Movement for Proletarian Power, Manandafy
RAKOTONIRINA; Confederation of Civil Societies for Development
(CSCD), Guy Willy RAZANAMASY; Association of United Malagasys
(Famima); Rally for Social Democracy (RPSD), Pierre TSIRANANA
Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Christian
Churches (FFKM); Federalist Movement
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,
ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,
WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO
chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525, 5526
consulate(s) general: New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki J. HUDDLESTON embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo mailing address: B. P. 620, Antananarivo telephone: [261] (2) 212-57, 200-89, 207-18 FAX: [261] (2) 234-539
Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
vertical white band of the same width on hoist side
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, suffering from chronic malnutrition, underfunded health and education facilities, a roughly 3% annual population growth rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for 35% of GDP and contributing more than 70% of export earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural products and textile manufacturing; it accounts for 15% of GDP. In 1986, the government introduced a five-year development plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased production for export, and reduced energy imports. Subsequently, growth in output has been held back because of protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political reform. Since 1993, corruption and political instability have caused the economy and infrastructure to decay further. Since April 1994, the government commitment to economic reforms has been erratic. Enormous obstacles stand in the way of Madagascar's realizing its considerable growth potential.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.4 billion (1995 est.)