PRESENTATION OUTLINE
REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR
Malagasy Republic
Marco Polo is the one who gave the name Madagascar. He was the first European explorer to reach the island. The Portuguese reached the island next in 1500 and it was later colonized by the French.
Madagascar gained independence from France on June 26,1960.
The president is Hery Rajaonarimampianina
Land size:
226,657 square miles.
About twice as big as Arizona and 44% larger than California.
It is the 4th largest island in the world.
Population:
22.92 million. 90% of the people live on less than $2 a day.
Official languages:
Malagasy and French.
The official religions are Christianity, traditional, and Islam.
Madagascar has a strong human rights protection. Human rights in Madagascar are protected under the constitution, and state's agreements: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities are legally protected, and freedom of assembly. State repression and torture are low, and they're trying to stop corruption in the security forces.
There are 70 different species of lemurs on the island. 90% of the animals and plants you will not find any other place of the world.
There are about 60 different species of chameleons on the island.
Many native plants of Madagascar have been proven to help people with health problems.
For example, Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and other cancers can be treated by the Madagascar periwinkle.
Of the many different species of animals there are in Madagascar, there are actually no lions, hippos, giraffes or zebras.