MADAGASCAR Desk Review

The country is situated in the Indian Ocean and has a unique geographic location, resulting in an impressive biodiversity. Madagascar is home to over 20 percent of the world's known species, with 80 percent of these species found only in Madagascar. The country is also highly exposed to extreme weather events, including cyclones, droughts, and earthquakes. The population of Madagascar is approximately 20,696,070, with a growth rate of 2.95 percent. Thirty percent of the population lives in urban areas, which are growing at 3.9 percent per year, while rural areas experience a growth rate of 1.9 percent. The population is most dense in the Central Highlands and least dense in the Northwest. The child mortality rate in Madagascar is higher than the world average, with 6 percent of children under 12 months and 9 percent of children under 60 months dying within the first year of life. Madagascar is a low-income country with a per capita income of 430 USD in 2011, below the average low-income estimated at 537 USD for the same year. Official unemployment is low at 3.8 percent, but more than 70 percent of the workforce report being either unemployed or under-employed. Madagascar ranks 151 out of 183 countries in the Human Development Index 2011. Poverty has increased between 2005 and 2010, with 77 percent of the population classified as poor according to the 2010 National Household Survey. The country's key exports include vanilla, clove, petroleum, and gold, with France being the main export partner. Madagascar's main import partners are Bahrain, France, South Africa, the US, and India. The country has experienced structural changes in the economy since the 2009 political crisis, including the suspension of its membership in several organizations and the loss of 50,000 jobs in the textile industry. The 2009 political crisis, combined with the international financial crisis, destroyed some 336,000 jobs and resulted in a significant increase in corruption. Madagascar is vulnerable to extreme weather events, including cyclones, droughts, and earthquakes. Between 1980 and 2010, the country was hit by 35 cyclones, causing extensive flooding and 5 periods of severe drought. The frequency and impact of these hazards are growing, affecting livelihood assets, irrigation systems, drinking water supply, health systems, and road infrastructure. In 2008, three consecutive cyclones affected 17 of Madagascar's 22 regions. The country's administrative zones are defined as follows: 22 regions (faritra), 119 districts (107 rural and 12 urban), 1,579 municipalities, 17,485 fokontany, and 121,679 localities. The majority of the international community does not recognize the new government, which has resulted in interrupted development funds and sanctions. The country has experienced a fall in total exports of 50 percent and a reduction in public investment of 30 percent between 2008 and 2010. The government budget has been heavily supported by development assistance, but was slashed by 70 percent in 2010.