Madagascar

Compiled from the October 2006 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of Madagascar

PROFILE

PEOPLE AND HISTORY

GOVERNMENT

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

ECONOMY

FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-MALAGASY RELATIONS

TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 592,800 sq. km. (228,880 sq. mi.).

Cities: Capital—Antananarivo (pop. about 1,300,000). Other cities—Antsirabe (about 500,000), Mahajanga (about 400,000), Toamasina (about 450,000).

Terrain: Mountainous central plateau, coastal plain.

Climate: Moderate interior, tropical coasts.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Malagasy.

Population: (2005, World Bank estimate) 18,600,000.

Annual population growth rate: (2005, World Bank) 2.7%.

Ethnic groups: 18 Malagasy tribes; small groups of Comorans, French, Indians, and Chinese.

Religions: Traditional beliefs 47%, Christian 45%, Muslim 7%.

Languages: Malagasy (official), French.

Education: Years compulsory—5. Attendance—65%. Literacy—70.7%.

Health: Infant mortality rate—76/1,000. Life expectancy—55.6 yrs.

Work force: (2000) 8 million. Agriculture—80%; industry—7%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: June 26, 1960.

Constitution: Entered into force in March 1998.

Government branches: Executive—president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative—National Assembly and Senate. Judicial—Supreme Court, High Court of Justice, Constitutional High Court.

Political subdivisions: Six autonomous provinces (faritany).

Political parties: Eight parties won seats in the December 2002 National Assembly elections. The ruling party I Love Madagascar (TIM) holds a solid majority of seats; others holding seats include Be Judged by Your Work (AVI), Rally for Social Democracy (RSPD), Pillar and Podium for the Development of Madagascar (AREMA), Militants for the Development of Madagascar (MFM), Reflection and Action Group for Development in Madagascar (GRAD-Iloafo), Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for Reconstruction Party (LEADER-Fanilo), and the regional party For A Mature Tamatave. There also dozens of minor parties.

Suffrage: Universal at 18.

National holiday: June 26.

Economy

GDP: (U.S.$, 2004) $4.4 billion.

GDP per capita: (World Bank Country Assistance Strategy) $240.

Unemployment: no reliable data available.

Natural resources: Graphite, chrome, coal, bauxite, ilmenite, nickel, gold, tar sands, semiprecious stones, and hardwoods.

Agriculture: (28.8% of GDP, 2004, World Bank data) Products—rice, livestock, seafood, coffee, vanilla, sugar, cloves, cotton, sisal, peanuts, and tobacco.

Industry: (16% of GDP, 2004, World Bank data) Types—processed food, clothing, textiles, mining, paper, refined petroleum products, glass-ware, construction, soap, cement, tanning.

Trade: Exports (2005, f.o.b. $951 million) apparel, shrimp, vanilla, coffee, cloves, graphite, essential oils, industrial minerals and gemstones. Major export markets—U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, EU. Imports (2005, f.o.b.) $1.4billion: foodstuffs, fuel and energy, capital goods, vehicles, consumer goods and electronics. Major suppliers—France, China, Hong Kong, Belgium, U.S.

PEOPLE AND HISTORY

Madagascar’s population is predominantly of mixed Asian and African origin. Recent research suggests that the island was uninhabited until Indonesian seafarers arrived in roughly the first century A.D., probably by way of southern India and East Africa, where they acquired African wives and slaves. Subsequent migrations from both the Pacific and Africa further consolidated this original mixture, and 18 separate tribal groups emerged. Asian features are most predominant in the central highlands people, the Merina (3 million) and the Betsileo (2 million); the coastal people are of more clearly African origin.

The largest coastal groups are the Betsimisaraka (1.5 million) and the Tsimihety and Sakalava (700,000 each).

The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and is generally spoken throughout the island. French is spoken among the educated population of this former French colony. English is becoming more widely spoken, and in 2003 the government began a pilot project of introducing the teaching of English into the primary grades of 44 schools, with hopes of taking the project nationwide.

Most people practice traditional religions, which tend to emphasize links between the living and the dead. They believe that the dead join their ancestors in the ranks of divinity and that ancestors are intensely concerned with the fate of their living descendants. The Merina and Betsileo reburial practice of famadihana, or “turning over the dead” celebrate this spiritual communion. In this ritual, relatives’ remains are removed from the family tomb, rewrapped in new silk shrouds, and returned to the tomb following festive ceremonies in their honor.

About 45% of the Malagasy are Christian, divided almost evenly between Roman Catholic and Protestant. Many incorporate the cult of the dead with their religious beliefs and bless their dead at church before proceeding with the traditional burial rites. They also may invite a pastor to attend a famadihana. While many Christians continue these practices, others consider them to be superstitions that should be abandoned. Many of the Christian churches are influential in politics. In the coastal regions of the provinces of Mahajanga and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Muslims constitute a significant minority. Muslims are divided between those of Malagasy ethnicity, Indo-Pakistanis, and Comorans.

The written history of Madagascar began in the seventh century A.D., when Arabs established trading posts along the northwest coast. European contact began in the 1500s, when Portuguese sea captain Diego Dias sighted the island after his ship became separated from a fleet bound for India. In the late 17th century, the French established trading posts along the east coast. From about 1774 to 1824, it was a favorite haunt for pirates, including Americans, one of whom brought Malagasy rice to South Carolina.

Beginning in the 1790s, Merina rulers succeeded in establishing hegemony over the major part of the island, including the coast. In 1817, the Merina ruler and the British governor of Mauritius concluded a treaty abolishing the slave trade, which had been important in Madagascar’s economy. In return, the island received British military and financial assistance. British influence remained strong for several decades, during which the Merina court was converted to Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, and Anglicanism.

The British accepted the imposition of a French protectorate over Madagascar in 1885 in return for eventual control over Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) and as part of an overall definition of spheres of influence in the area. Absolute French control over Madagascar was established by military force in 1895-96, and the Merina monarchy was abolished.

Malagasy troops fought in France, Morocco, and Syria during World War I. After France fell to the Germans, the Vichy government administered Madagascar. British troops occupied the strategic island in 1942 to preclude its seizure by the Japanese. The Free French received the island from the United Kingdom in 1943.

In 1947, with French prestige at low ebb, a nationalist uprising was suppressed after several months of bitter fighting. The French subsequently established reformed institutions in 1956 under the Loi Cadre (Overseas Reform Act), and Madagascar moved peacefully toward independence. The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on October 14, 1958, as an autonomous state within the French Community. A period of provisional government ended with the adoption of a constitution in 1959 and full independence on June 26, 1960.

GOVERNMENT

In March 1998, Malagasy voters approved a revised Constitution. The principal institutions of the Republic of Madagascar are a presidency, a parliament (National Assembly and Senate), a prime ministry and cabinet, and an independent judiciary. The president is elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term, renewable twice. The next presidential election has been scheduled for December 3, 2006.

The National Assembly consists of 160 representatives elected by direct vote every 5 years. The last election was held in December 2002, The Senate consists of 90 senators, two-thirds elected by local legislators and other Grand Electors and one-third appointed by the president, all for 6-year terms. A prime minister and council of ministers carries out day-to-day management of government. The president appoints the prime minister.

The prime minister and members of Parliament initiate legislation, and the government executes it. The president can dissolve the National Assembly. For its part, the National Assembly can pass a motion of censure and require the prime minister and council of ministers to step down. The Constitutional Court approves the constitutionality of new laws.

Territorial administration is to be determined by legislation. In an effort to decentralize administration, the Constitution calls for the six provinces (faritany) to become autonomous. The six provinces are Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Antsiranana, Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Toliary.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated : 9/1/2005

President: Marc RAVALOMANANA

Prime Minister: Jacques SYLLA

Min. of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry: Harrison ANDRIARIMANANA

Min. of Civil Service, Labor, & Social Laws: Vola Dieudonne RAZAFINDRALAMBO , Dr.

Min. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs: Alphonse RALISON

Min. of Communication: Mamy RAKOTOARIVELO

Min. of Decentralization & Territorial Administration: Angelin RANDRIANARISON

Min. of Defense: Petera BEHAJAINA , Gen.

Min. of Economy, Finance, & Budget: Andriamparany RADAVIDSON

Min. of Education: Hajanirina RAZAFINJATOVO

Min. of Energy & Mines: Jacquis RABARISON

Min. of Environment: Charles Sylvain RABOTOARISON , Gen.

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Marcel RANJEVA , Gen.

Min. of Health: Andry RASAMINDRAKOTROKA

Min. of Higher Education: Jean Theodore RANJIVASON

Min. of Industrialization, Commerce, & Private-Sector Development: Olivier ANDRIANARISON SAHOBISOA

Min. of Industry & Handicrafts: Mejamirado RAZAFIMIHARY

Min. of Interior: Andre SOJA

Min. of Justice: Henriette RATSHIHARIVALA

Min. of Labor & Social Affairs: Maharavo RODELYS

Min. of Population: Jacob Felicien ANDRIAMPANJAVA

Min. of Posts & Telecommunications: Mahazaka CLERMONT

Min. of Public Works: Jean LAHINIRIKO

Min. of Scientific Research: Alidina EDOUARD

Min. of Technical & Professional Education: Zoana BLAISE

Min. of Transportation & Public Works: Roland RANDIMAMPIONONA

Min. of Tourism & Culture: Jacques RABENIRINA

Min. of Urban & Regional Planning: Julien REBOZA

Min. of Waters & Forests: Alibay Jonshon ONESTE

Min. of Youth & Sports: Henri Francois RANDRIANJATOVO

Sec. of State for Decentralization: ENIAVOSOA

Sec. of State for Fisheries & Ocean Resources: Rarison Ramaroson HIPPOLYTE, RAdm.

Sec. of State for Foreign Trade: Henri RAKOTONIRAINY

Sec. of State for Public Security: Lucien Victor RAZAKANIRINA, Gen.

Governor, Central Bank: Gaston RAVELOJAONA

Ambassador to the US: Narisoa ANDRIANARIVELO

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Zina ANDRIANARIVELO Razafy

Madagascar maintains an embassy in the United States at 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-265-5525).

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Madagascar’s first President, Philibert Tsiranana, was elected when his Social Democratic Party gained power at independence in 1960 and was reelected without opposition in March 1972. However, he resigned only 2 months later in response to massive antigovernment demonstrations. The unrest continued, and Tsiranana’s successor, Gen. Gabriel Ramanantsoa, resigned on February 5, 1975, handing over executive power to Lt. Col. Richard Ratsimandrava, who was assassinated 6 days later. A provisional military directorate then ruled until a new government was formed in June 1975, under Didier Ratsiraka.

During the 16 subsequent years of President Ratsiraka’s rule, Madagascar continued under a government committed to revolutionary socialism based on the 1975 Constitution establishing a highly centralized state. National elections in 1982 and 1989 returned Ratsiraka for a second and third 7-year presidential term. For much of this period, only limited and restrained political opposition was tolerated, with no direct criticism of the president permitted in the press.

With an easing of restrictions on political expression, beginning in the late 1980s, the Ratsiraka regime came under increasing pressure to make fundamental changes. In response to a deteriorating economy, Ratsiraka relaxed socialist economic policies and instituted some liberal, private-sector reforms. These, along with political reforms like the elimination of press censorship in 1989 and the formation of more political parties in 1990, were insufficient to placate a growing opposition movement known as Hery Velona or “Active Forces.” A number of already existing political parties and their leaders, among them Albert Zafy and Rakotoniaina Manandafy, anchored this movement which was especially strong in Antananarivo and the surrounding high plateau.

In response to largely peaceful mass demonstrations and crippling general strikes, Ratsiraka replaced his prime minister in August 1991 but suffered an irreparable setback soon thereafter when his troops fired on peaceful demonstrators marching on his suburban palace, killing more than 30.

In an increasingly weakened position, Ratsiraka acceded to negotiations on the formation of a transitional government. The resulting “Panorama Convention” of October 31, 1991, stripped Ratsiraka of nearly all of his powers, created interim institutions, and set an 18-month timetable for completing a transition to a new form of constitutional government. The High Constitutional Court was retained as the ultimate judicial arbiter of the process.

In March 1992, a widely representative National Forum organized by the Malagasy Christian Council of Churches (FFKM) drafted a new Constitution. Troops guarding the proceedings clashed with pro-Ratsiraka “federalists” who tried to disrupt the forum in protest of draft constitutional provisions preventing the incumbent president from running again. The text of the new Constitution was put to a nationwide referendum in August 1992 and approved by a wide margin, despite efforts by federalists to disrupt balloting in several coastal areas.

Presidential elections were held on November 25, 1992, after the High Constitutional Court had ruled, over active forces objections, that Ratsiraka could become a candidate. Runoff elections were held in February 1993, and the leader of the Hery Velona movement, Albert Zafy, defeated Ratsiraka. Zafy was sworn in as President on March 27, 1993. After President Zafy’s impeachment by the National Assembly in 1996 and the short quasi-presidency of Norbert Ratsirahonana, the 1997 elections once again pitted Zafy and Ratsiraka, with Ratsiraka this time emerging victorious. A National Assembly dominated by members of President Ratsiraka’a political party AREMA subsequently passed the 1998 Constitution, which considerably strengthened the presidency.

In December 2001, a presidential election was held in which both major candidates claimed victory. The Ministry of the Interior declared incumbent Ratsiraka of the AREMA party victorious. Marc Ravalomanana contested the results and claimed victory. A political crisis followed in which Ratsiraka supporters cut major transport routes from the primary port city to the capital city, a stronghold of Ravalomanana support. Sporadic violence and considerable economic disruption continued until July 2002 when Ratsiraka and several of his prominent supporters fled to exile in France. In addition to political differences, ethnic differences played a role in the crisis and continue to play a role in politics. Ratsiraka is from the coastal Betsimisarka tribe and Ravalomanana comes from the highland Merina tribe. After the end of the 2002 political crisis, President Ravalomanana began many reform projects, forcefully advocating “rapid and durable development” and the launching of a battle against corruption. December 2002 legislative elections gave his newly formed TIM (Tiako-i-Madagasikara—I Love Madagascar) Party a commanding majority in the National Assembly. November 2003 municipal elections were conducted freely, returning a majority of supporters of the president, but also significant numbers of independent and regional opposition figures.

Following the crisis of 2002, the President replaced provincial governors with appointed PDSs (Presidents des Delegations Speciales). Subsequent legislation established a structure of 22 regions to decentralize administration. In September 2004, the government named 22 Regional Chiefs, reporting directly to the President, to implement its decentralization plans. Financing and specific powers for the regional administrations remain to be clarified.

ECONOMY

Structural reforms began in the late 1980s, initially under pressure form international financial institutions. An initial privatization program (1988-1993) and the development of an export processing zone (EPZ) regime in the early 1990s were key milestones in this effort. A period of significant stagnation from 1991-96 was followed by 5 years of solid economic growth and accelerating foreign investment, driven by a second wave of privatizations and EPZ development. Although structural reforms advanced, governance remained weak and perceived corruption in Madagascar was extremely high. During the period of solid growth from 1997 through 2001, poverty levels remained stubbornly high, especially in rural areas. A six-month political crisis triggered by a dispute over the outcome of the presidential elections held in December 2001 virtually halted economic activity in much of the country in the first half of 2002. Real GDP dropped 12.7% for the year 2002, inflows of foreign investment dropped sharply, and the crisis tarnished Madagascar’s budding reputation as an AGOA stand-out and a promising place to invest. Following resolution of the crisis, the economy rebounded with GDP growth of over 9% in 2003. Currency depreciation and rising inflation hampered economic performance in 2004-2005; by 2006 inflation had abated somewhat (to 11%) but growth remained sluggish (4.7% est.)

Following the 2002 political crisis, the government attempted to set a new course and build confidence, in coordination with international financial institutions and the donor community. Madagascar developed a recovery plan in collaboration with the private sector and donors and presented it at a “Friends of Madagascar” conference organized by the World Bank in Paris in July 2002. Donor countries demonstrated their confidence in the new government by pledging $1 billion in assistance over five years. The Malagasy Government identified road infrastructure as its principle priority and underlined its commitment to public-private partnership by establishing a joint public-private sector steering committee.

In 2000, Madagascar embarked on the preparation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The boards of the IMF and World Bank agreed in December 2000 that the country had reached the decision point for debt relief under the HIPC Initiative and defined a set of conditions for Madagascar to reach the completion point. In October 2004, the boards of the IMF and the World Bank determined that Madagascar had reached the completion point under the enhanced HIPC Initiative.

The Madagascar-U.S. Business Council was formed in Madagascar in 2002. The U.S.-Madagascar Business Council was formed in the United States in May 2003, and the two organizations continue to explore ways to work for the benefit of both groups. The government of President Ravalomanana is aggressively seeking foreign investment and is tackling many of the obstacles to such investment, including combating corruption, reforming land-ownership laws, encouraging study of American and European business techniques, and active pursuit of foreign investors. President Ravalomanana rose to prominence through his agro-foods TIKO company, and is known for attempting to apply many of the lessons learned in the world of business to running the government.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Madagascar, which has historically been perceived as on the margin of mainstream African affairs, eagerly rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus triggered by the 2002 political crisis, and joined SADC in 2006. From 1978 until 1991, then-President Ratsiraka emphasized independence and non-alignment and followed an “all points” policy stressing ties with socialist and radical regimes, including North Korea, Cuba, Libya, and Iran. Taking office in 1993, President Albert Zafy expressed his desire for diplomatic relations with all countries. Early in his tenure, he established formal ties with South Korea and sent emissaries to Morocco.

Starting in 1997, globalization encouraged the government and President Ratsiraka to adhere to market-oriented policies and to engage world markets. External relations reflect this trend, although Madagascar’s physical isolation and strong traditional insular orientation have limited its activity in regional economic organizations and relations with its East African neighbors. It enjoys closer and generally good relations with its Indian Ocean neigh-bors—Mauritius, Reunion, and the Comoros Islands. Active relationships with Europe, especially France, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as with Britain, Russia, Japan, India, and China have been strong since independence. President Ravalomanana has stated that he welcomes relations with all countries interested in helping Madagascar to develop. He has consciously sought to strengthen relations with Anglophone countries as a means of balancing traditionally strong French influence.

U.S.-MALAGASY RELATIONS

Relations with the United States date to the middle 1800s. The two countries concluded a commercial convention in 1867 and a treaty of peace, friendship, and commerce in 1881. Traditionally warm relations suffered considerably during the 1970s, when Madagascar expelled the U.S. ambassador, closed a NASA tracking station, and nationalized two U.S. oil companies. In 1980, relations at the ambassadorial level were restored.

Throughout the troubled period, commercial and cultural relations remained active. In 1990, Madagascar was designated as a priority aid recipient, and assistance increased from $15 million in 1989 to $40 million in 1993.

Recent U.S. assistance has contributed to a population census and family planning programs; conservation of Madagascar’s remarkable biodiversity, private sector development, agriculture, democracy and governance initiatives; and media training.

Madagascar became the very first country with a Millennium Challenge Account compact when it signed an agreement worth $110 million in April 2006. The Ravalomanana government is especially positive about ties with the United States.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

ANTANANARIVO (E) Address: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo; APO/FPO: Antsahavola B.P. 620; Phone: (261) (20) 22-21257 or 261-33-442-2000; Fax: (261) (20) 22-34539 or 261-33-442-2261; INMARSAT Tel: 38-31-32673; Workweek: M-T 7:30AM–5:00PM/F–7:30 AM–1:30 PM; Website: http://WWW.USMISSION.MG

Last Updated: 1/17/2007

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet : May 5, 2006

Country Description: Madagascar is a developing island nation off the east coast of Africa. The primary languages are French and Malagasy. French is less spoken outside of major cities. Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality. Travelers seeking high-end accommodations should make reservations in advance.

Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas are available at all airports servicing international flights, but travelers who opt to obtain a visa at an airport should expect delays upon arrival. Visas obtained at the airport are not extendable. Most international flights arrive in Antananarivo, but there are some limited international flights to/from nearby islands of Comoros, Mayotte and Reunion from airports in Mahajanga, Toamasina, Nosy Be, Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin) and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). There are also direct flights between Italy and Nosy Be. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required for all travelers who have been in an infected zone within 6 months of their arrival in Madagascar.

Travelers may obtain the latest information and details on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 265-5525/6; or the Malagasy Consulate in New York City, (212) 986-9491. Honorary consuls of Madagascar are located in Philadelphia, San Diego, and Houston. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Malagasy embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Madagascar’s website at http://www.embassy.org/ madagascar for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: There are random police vehicle checkpoints throughout Madagascar, so all visitors should carry photo identification (i.e. U.S. passport) in the event of police questioning. These check points are routine in nature, and should not result in vehicle and/or person searches as long as valid identification is shown.

Political demonstrations occur from time to time. As election season nears, the possibility for planned or spontaneous demonstrations increases. While attacks are not directed at Americans, there have been incidents of violence during demonstrations. Travelers should maintain security awareness at all times and should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. Certain large gatherings such as concerts or scenes of accidents also may pose a threat to foreigners.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime: The major concerns for visitors to Antananarivo are crimes of opportunity such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, or theft from residences and vehicles. Although these are generally non-violent, incidents involving violence by assailants do take place, particularly when the victim resists, and especially, when multiple persons confront the victim. To reduce the risk of being victimized, travel in groups and avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public. Valuable items should never be left in an unattended vehicle. Walking at night, whether alone or in a group is not considered safe in urban areas, including in the vicinity of Western-standard hotels. Criminal gangs comprised of former felons, ex-military and police from the former regime are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, sometimes targeting foreigners. However, Americans visiting Madagascar should not expect to experience any hostility or aggression solely because of their citizenship. Organized gangs of bandits are known to patrol areas where foreigners who are perceived to be wealthy congregate. Although crimes such as burglary do occur in areas outside the capital, the threat of confrontational crime is less prevalent in rural areas.

In major cities, the National Police is charged with maintaining peace and security. Outside of major cities, the Gendarmerie is primarily responsible for these duties. Due to lack of resources available to the National Police and the Gendarmerie, police responsiveness to victims of crime is often limited and ineffective.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds can be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

During an emergency, visitors to Antananarivo can contact local police at telephone numbers 117 and 22-357-09/10 or 22-227-35.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Standards of health-care throughout Madagascar are well below U.S. standards. However, there are foreign physicians in Antananarivo representing a broad range of specialties. The hospitals in Antananarivo vary greatly in standards of care. Medical care outside of Antananarivo is generally well below the care available in the capital city. Caution and good judgment should be exercised when seeking hospital and medical services. The Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and specialists. A Seventh Day Adventist dental clinic offers emergency procedures and x-ray facilities.

Some medications, generally of French origin, are available in Antananarivo. If one needs to refill a prescription from home, it is important to carry a prescription from your doctor listing the medicine’s generic name. Outside of Antananarivo, medications may not be available. Travelers should have a supply of any needed medication sufficient for the entire length of a visit before arriving in Madagascar. Americans who will be carrying medications with them to Madagascar may wish to contact the Malagasy Embassy in Washington, D.C. regarding any restrictions on imports.

Ambulance services are available in Antananarivo with Espace Medical at 22-625-66, 22-219-72, or 032-02-088-16 (cellular); with Clinique Ampasanimalo at 22-235-55; or with Polyclinique Ilafy at 22-425-66/69. However, due to traffic jams, response times are often dangerously slow.

Malaria is prevalent, particularly in the coastal regions. Using preventive measures and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Rabies is endemic and there are many street dogs. It is recommended travelers have the pre-exposure vaccination series prior to arrival in Madagascar. If bitten by an animal, the effected area should immediately be washed with soap and running water for ten minutes. Seek medical care immediately. Plague is also endemic to Madagascar. While the reported HIV prevalence rate is low, particularly by African standards, Madagascar suffers from a very high reported incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases.

The East African Indian Ocean islands have seen a rise in the cases of Chikungunya. As with Malaria, Chikungunya and Dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes. Every effort should be made to use repellents, proper clothing and barriers that discourage/prevent mosquito bites. The CDC website contains further information on Chikungunya and Dengue.

Travelers should drink bottled water or carbonated beverages. Local water is not generally potable. Water purification tablets may be used as necessary. Bottled water is readily available in Antananarivo but is less so outside the city.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Madagascar is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In Madagascar, one drives on the right side of the road, generally yielding the right of way to vehicles coming in from the left. Some major intersections and traffic circles have police directing traffic. If a policeman has his back to you at an intersection, you are required to stop. Seat belts, child safety seats, and motorcycle helmets are not required in Madagascar. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol your car will be impounded for a few days and you will have to pay a fine. If you are involved in an accident involving injuries and/or deaths, there is a mandatory court case. The losing party of the court case must then pay all costs.

Except for Antananarivo’s main streets and a few well-maintained routes to outlying cities, many roads are in various states of disrepair. Some may be impassable during the rainy season. Night travel by private or public transportation outside Antananarivo is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting and road conditions. Roads tend to be narrow and winding with many one-lane bridges and blind curves. Most vehicles tend to drive in the center of the road unless another vehicle is present. It is common to find livestock or human-drawn carts in the middle of the road, even at night. Local practice is to blow the horn before going around a curve, to let others know of one’s presence. Few pedestrian crosswalks or working traffic signals exist.

Travel within Antananarivo can be difficult with poor road signage and an abundance of one-way streets. Taxis are plentiful and are generally reasonably priced. Expect to bargain for the fare prior to getting into a vehicle. Most accidents are pedestrian-related, due to narrow roads and lack of sidewalks on many streets. When traveling between cities, travelers must have clear directions as there are rarely signs indicating where one must turn to reach a destination. Conditions of rural roads can degrade significantly and with little notice during the rainy season.

Rental cars generally come with a driver who is responsible for maintaining the vehicle and sometimes acts as a tour guide. Public transportation is unreliable and vehicles are poorly maintained. Rail services are extremely limited and unreliable.

The Ministry of Public Works, telephone (20) 22-318-02, is Madagascar’s authority responsible for road safety. During an emergency, visitors to Antananarivo can contact local police by dialing 117, 22-227-35, 22-357-09/10. American citizens can also call the U.S. Embassy at 22-212-57/58/59 if assistance is needed in communicating with law enforcement officials. Ambulance services are available in Antananarivo with Espace Medical at 22-625-66 or 22-219-72; with Clinique Ampasanimalo at 22-235-55; or with Polyclinique Ilafy at 22-425-66/69.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Madagascar, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Madagascar’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

Domestic and international air services operate regularly but are subject to delays and occasional breakdowns. Air Madagascar often changes in-country flight schedules, based on how full the flight is, with little or no prior warning to passengers. Overbooking is also common. Reconfirmation of tickets prior to flight day is recommended, especially when flying from provincial airports.

Special Circumstances: It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington or one of Madagascar’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

Taking photographs of airports or military installations is prohibited.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Malagasy laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malagasy are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children’s Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Madagascar are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Madagascar. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39. The Embassy’s web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/.