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          MADAGASCAR
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Madagascar is an island state
situated off the southeast
coast of Africa. It is the
fourth largest island in the
world, and the centre of it is
made up of a high savanna-
covered plateaux. In the east,
forested mountains fall
steeply to the coast, and in
the southwest the land falls
gradually through dry
grassland and scrub. The
staple food crop is rice, and
80% of the population grow
enough food to feed
themselves. Cassava is also
grown, but some 58% of the
land is pasture, and there are
many more cattle than people.
The main export earners are
coffee, vanilla, cloves and
sugar.

Area (Sq. Km.): 587,040

Population: 11,969,000

Capital: Antananarivo

Language:
Malagasy
French

Religion:
animists 52%
Christian 41%
Moslem 7%

Government Type:
Republic, strong presidential
authority.

Currency: Malagasy franc

Consulate:
Lanaric Mansions,
Pennard Road,
London,
W12 8DT
0181-746-0133

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Foreign Office Advice:

Visitors should be aware
of the danger of mugging,
especially in Antananrivo, and
take appropriate precautions.

More adventurous visitors
going to remote areas should
refrain from travelling alone
if possible.

Visitors are asked to register
their presence at the British
Embassy (Tel: 27749 or 27370).

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129