Madagascar

According to ALLCITYCODES.COM, Madagascar is located in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres of the world, and its area code is +261. It is the fourth largest island in the world, with an area of 587,041 square kilometers. It has a wide range of climates, from tropical rainforest to dry desert-like conditions. Along with its diverse landscapes come a variety of flora and fauna that can be found nowhere else on earth. The people of Madagascar are just as diverse as its landscapes. The population is divided into 18 ethnic groups, each with their own language and culture. The majority of Madagascans are Malagasy, who make up 90% of the population. The other 10% consists mostly of French, Indian and Chinese immigrants who have settled in the country over time. Madagascar also has a rich history that dates back to ancient times when it was first inhabited by Austronesian settlers from Southeast Asia around 2000 BCE. Since then it has gone through numerous changes in rulership from Arab traders to French colonization during the 19th century. This cultural diversity has resulted in a unique blend of African, Arabic and European influences that can be seen throughout Madagascar today in its language, cuisine and music. Madagascar is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of Madagascar is both head of state and head of government, and is elected by popular vote to serve a five year term. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly. The National Assembly is made up of 151 members who are elected through proportional representation. There are several political parties in Madagascar, including the Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM) party, the Hery Vaovao Hoan’i Madagasikara (HVM) party, and the Vondrona Politika Saina (VPS) party. The TIM party has been in power since 2014, when President Hery Rajaonarimampianina was elected to his first term as president. LOVERISTS: Features public policy of Madagascar.