History of Madagascar in Timeline

Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It comprises the island of Madagascar and several smaller islands. Notably, it is the fourth-largest island globally and the second-largest island country. Antananarivo serves as its capital and largest city.

1900: Population

In 1900, the population of Madagascar was estimated at 2.2 million.

1905: Malagasikara

In 1905, Charles Basset noted in his doctoral thesis that Malagasikara was how the island was referred to by its natives, who emphasized their identity as Malagasy, not Madagasy.

1927: Major Demonstrations in Antananarivo

In 1927, major demonstrations were organized in Antananarivo, Madagascar, notably on the initiative of the communist activist François Vittori, who was subsequently imprisoned as a result.

1939: Dissolution of Organizations

In 1939, the colonial administration in Madagascar, opting for the Vichy regime, dissolved all organizations, marking a shift towards stricter control and suppression of local movements.

1947: Insurrection and Repression

In 1947, the MDRM was accused by the colonial regime of being at the origin of the insurrection and was pursued by violent repression, significantly impacting the political landscape of Madagascar.

1947: Malagasy Uprising

In 1947, the Malagasy Uprising occurred, galvanizing the growing independence movement in Madagascar due to the tarnished prestige of the colonial administration during the Second World War.

1956: Establishment of Reformed Institutions

In 1956, the French established reformed institutions in Madagascar under the Loi Cadre (Overseas Reform Act), leading the country peacefully towards independence.

October 1958: Proclamation of the Malagasy Republic

On 14 October 1958, the Malagasy Republic was proclaimed as an autonomous state within the French Community, marking a significant step towards independence.

1958: European Population

In 1958, the European population in Madagascar numbered 68,430.

1958: Official Languages

In 1958, the first national Constitution named Malagasy and French the official languages of the Malagasy Republic.

1959: Adoption of a Constitution

In 1959, Madagascar adopted a constitution, marking the end of a period of provisional government and paving the way for full independence in June 1960.

June 1960: Gaining Independence

Madagascar gained its independence on 26 June 1960.

September 1960: UN Member State

Madagascar became a member state of the United Nations on 20 September 1960, shortly after gaining its independence.

1960: Regaining Independence

After regaining independence in 1960, the city of Antananarivo remained the capital of Madagascar.

1960: Start of the First Republic

In 1960, Madagascar entered its First Republic (1960-72) under President Philibert Tsiranana, marked by strong ties to France.

1960: Independence from France

In 1960, Madagascar gained independence from France after being annexed in 1897. This marked a significant turning point in the country's history, leading to four major constitutional periods.

1960: Restoration of political independence

The political independence and sovereignty of the Malagasy armed forces was restored with independence from France in 1960.

1963: Founding member of the Organisation of African Unity

Madagascar has historically been perceived as being on the margin of mainstream African affairs despite being a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, which was established in 1963.

1964: First participation in the Olympic Games

Madagascar sent its first competitors to the Olympic Games in 1964.

1972: Overthrow of Tsiranana's Administration

In 1972, farmer and student protests inspired by resentment over neo-colonial arrangements led to the overthrow of President Philibert Tsiranana's administration in Madagascar.

1973: Oil Crisis Impact

In 1973, economic pressures stemming from the oil crisis contributed to the rapid collapse of Madagascar's economy.

1975: Ratsiraka in power

From 1975 to 2001, Ratsiraka remained in power.

1975: Ramanantsoa Steps Down; Ratsimandrava Assassinated

In 1975, Gabriel Ramanantsoa stepped down due to low public approval, and Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava, his successor, was assassinated six days into his tenure.

1975: General Census

In 1975, one of only two general censuses carried out after independence was taken.

1976: Comoran Exodus

In 1976, following anti-Comoran riots in Mahajanga, there was an exodus of Comorans from Madagascar.

1976: Instatement of mandatory national armed or civil service

Under the socialist Second Republic, Admiral Didier Ratsiraka instated mandatory national armed or civil service for all young citizens regardless of sex, a policy that remained in effect from 1976 to 1991.

1979: Economic Bankruptcy

By 1979, Madagascar had become completely bankrupt due to economic policies coupled with pressures from the 1973 oil crisis.

1990: Fertility Rate

In 1990, the Malagasy fertility rate was 6.3 children per woman.

1991: Shooting of Unarmed Protesters

In 1991, the Ratsiraka administration's dwindling popularity reached a critical point when presidential guards opened fire on unarmed protesters during a rally.

1991: End of mandatory national service

1992: Albert Zafy's presidency

From 1992 to 1996, Albert Zafy briefly held the presidency.

1992: Presidential Elections

In 1992, Albert Zafy won the presidential elections and went on to inaugurate the Third Republic (1992-2010).

1992: Constitution Language

No official languages were mentioned in the Constitution of 1992, although Malagasy was identified as the national language.

1993: Religion

According to the national census completed in 1993, a majority of the population (52%) adhered to indigenous beliefs, with Christianity being the largest single religion at 41%, followed by Islam at 7%.

1993: Zafy Becomes President

In 1993, Albert Zafy became president of Madagascar (1993-96) after winning the 1992 presidential elections, inaugurating the Third Republic.

1993: End of the Marxist-Leninist Second Republic

In 1993, the Marxist-Leninist Second Republic, which was established in 1975 under Vice Admiral Didier Ratsiraka, came to an end.

1996: Increased educational access

As a result of increased educational access, enrollment rates more than doubled between 1996 and 2006.

1996: Albert Zafy's presidency

From 1992 to 1996, Albert Zafy briefly held the presidency.

1996: Zafy Impeached; Ratsiraka Back in Power

In 1996, President Zafy was impeached, Norbert Ratsirahonana was appointed interim president, and Ratsiraka was voted back into power for a second term.

April 2000: Legal Case

In April 2000, a citizen initiated a legal case against the state, arguing that the publication of official documents only in French was unconstitutional.

2000: Human visits

Around 2000 BCE, archaeological finds such as cut marks on bones and stone tools indicate that Madagascar was visited by foragers.

2000: Description of Lemur Species

Between 2000 and 2008, zoologists described 39 species and subspecies of lemur, adding to the official count of 103 as of 2012.

2000: Ban on collection of precious timber

From 2000, then-President Marc Ravalomanana banned the collection of small quantities of precious timber from national parks.

2001: Dispute over Presidential Election Results

Due to a dispute over the results of the 2001 presidential election, Madagascar was not permitted to attend the first African Union summit.

2001: Military remains neutral

During the protracted standoff between incumbent Ratsiraka and challenger Marc Ravalomanana in the disputed 2001 presidential elections, the military refused to intervene in favor of either candidate.

2001: Presidential Elections Standoff

Following the 2001 presidential elections, the eight-month standoff between incumbent Ratsiraka and challenger Marc Ravalomanana cost Madagascar millions of dollars in lost tourism and trade revenue as well as damage to infrastructure, such as bombed bridges and buildings damaged by arson.

2001: Ratsiraka in power

From 1975 to 2001, Ratsiraka remained in power.

2001: Contested Presidential Elections

In 2001, the contested presidential elections caused a seven-month standoff between supporters of Marc Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka, with Ravalomanana eventually emerging victorious.

2001: End of Ratsiraka's Second Term

In 2001, the second term of President Ratsiraka came to an end.

2002: Post-Election Standoff

In 2002, a seven-month standoff occurred between supporters of Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka after the contested 2001 presidential elections, negatively impacting the economy.

2002: Education prioritized under Ravalomanana administration

In 2002, under the Ravalomanana administration, education was prioritized and made free and compulsory from ages 6 to 13.

2002: Dissolution of the Organisation of African Unity

The Organisation of African Unity was dissolved in 2002 to be replaced by the African Union.

May 2003: Madagascar-U.S. Business Council Formation

In May 2003, the Madagascar-U.S. Business Council was formed to support the export of local handicrafts to foreign markets.

July 2003: Rejoining the African Union

Madagascar rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus.

2003: Announcement of the Durban Vision

In 2003, Ravalomanana announced the Durban Vision, an initiative to more than triple the island's protected natural areas to over 60,000 km (23,000 sq mi) or 10% of Madagascar's land surface.

2004: Cyclone Gafilo

In 2004, Cyclone Gafilo became the strongest cyclone ever recorded to hit Madagascar, killing 172 people, leaving 214,260 homeless, and causing more than US$250 million in damage.

2004: Creation of BIANCO

In 2004, Ravalomanana created BIANCO, an anti-corruption bureau, which resulted in reduced corruption among Antananarivo's lower-level bureaucrats in particular.

2006: Increased educational access

As a result of increased educational access, enrollment rates more than doubled between 1996 and 2006.

2007: Rainforests of the Atsinanana declared a World Heritage Site

In 2007 six of the national parks were declared a joint World Heritage Site under the name Rainforests of the Atsinanana. These parks are Marojejy, Masoala, Ranomafana, Zahamena, Andohahela and Andringitra.

2007: Recognition of Three Official Languages

In 2007, a Constitution recognized three official languages: Malagasy, French, and English.

2008: Tourist Visits

An estimated 365,000 tourists visited Madagascar in 2008.

2008: Description of Lemur Species

Between 2000 and 2008, zoologists described 39 species and subspecies of lemur, adding to the official count of 103 as of 2012.

2008: Government Spending on Healthcare

In 2008, fifteen percent of government spending was directed toward the health sector.

2008: Zafimaniry woodworking traditions inscribed on UNESCO list

In 2008, the decorative and functional woodworking traditions of the Zafimaniry people of the central highlands was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2008: Ehoala Port Construction

In 2008, the island's newest port at Ehoala was constructed.

2008: Maternal Mortality Rate

In 2008, the maternal mortality rate was 373.1 per 100,000 births.

January 2009: Collection of precious timber re-authorized

In January 2009, the collection of small quantities of precious timber from national parks was re-authorized, after being banned from 2000 to 2009. This was dramatically intensified under the administration of Andry Rajoelina as a key source of state revenues to offset cuts in donor support following Ravalomanana's ousting.

March 2009: Suspension by the African Union

In March 2009 Madagascar was suspended by the African Union following the unconstitutional transfer of executive power to Rajoelina.

March 2009: Rajoelina Declared President

In March 2009, Andry Rajoelina was declared by the Supreme Court as the President of the High Transitional Authority after Ravalomanana was pushed from power in an unconstitutional process.

2009: Media Censorship

Accusations of media censorship have increased since 2009, due to intensified restrictions on political criticism.

2009: Access to Water and Electricity

As of 2009, only a small percentage of Madagascar's fokontany had access to water and electricity provided by Jirama. Mobile telephone and internet access were widespread in urban areas but limited in rural areas.

2009: Impact of budget cuts on police force

Budget cuts since 2009 have severely impacted the national police force, producing a steep increase in criminal activity in recent years.

2009: Hosting rights for FIBA Africa Championship for Women

In 2009, Antananarivo gained the hosting rights for the FIBA Africa Championship for Women.

2009: Political Crisis and Military Coup

In 2009, Madagascar experienced a political crisis and military coup, which led to a prolonged transition period before constitutional governance was restored in January 2014.

2009: Army defected to Rajoelina

In 2009, a segment of the army defected to the side of Andry Rajoelina, then-mayor of Antananarivo, in support of his attempt to force President Ravalomanana from power.

2009: Exports

In 2009, exports constituted 28% of Madagascar's GDP, primarily from textiles, fish, shellfish, vanilla, and cloves.

2009: Protests led by Andry Rajoelina

In early 2009, a series of protests led by Andry Rajoelina against Ravalomanana became violent, with more than 170 people killed.

2009: Dire consequences for the island's wildlife

Since 2009, there has been dire consequences for the island's wildlife because of the exploitation of natural resources. A July 2012 assessment found that 90% of lemur species were found to be threatened with extinction, the highest proportion of any mammalian group.

2010: Roads, Railways and Waterways

In 2010, Madagascar had approximately 7,617 km of paved roads, 854 km of railways, and 432 km of navigable waterways.

2010: Medical Resources

In 2010, Madagascar had limited medical resources, including hospital beds and medical professionals, for a population of 22 million.

2010: Recognition of Two Official Languages

In 2010, a Constitution recognized only Malagasy and French as official languages.

2010: Adoption of a New Constitution

In 2010, a new constitution was adopted by referendum, establishing a Fourth Republic in Madagascar, which sustained the democratic, multi-party structure.

2010: Maternal Mortality Rate

In 2010, the maternal mortality rate was 440 per 100,000 births.

2010: Decline in Tourism

In 2010, tourism in Madagascar declined during the political crisis with 180,000 tourists visiting.

2010: End of the Third Republic

The Third Republic (1992-2010) came to an end.

December 2011: Internet Access Growth

In December 2011, an estimated 352,000 residents of Madagascar accessed the internet.

2011: State protected areas

As of 2011, areas protected by the state included five Strict Nature Reserves (Réserves Naturelles Intégrales), 21 Wildlife Reserves (Réserves Spéciales) and 21 National Parks (Parcs Nationaux).

2011: Economic Growth

From 2011 onwards, the economy of Madagascar experienced growth, with the GDP growth exceeding 4% per year.

2011: Hosting rights for FIBA Africa Championship

In 2011, Antananarivo gained the hosting rights for the FIBA Africa Championship.

2011: Teen Pregnancy Rates

In 2011, teen pregnancy rates were 14.8%. The infant mortality rate in 2011 was 41 per 1,000 births.

2011: Agriculture Sector Contribution

In 2011, the agriculture sector constituted 29% of Malagasy GDP, while manufacturing formed 15% of GDP.

2011: Scouting membership

In 2011, the membership in scouting clubs was estimated at 14,905.

July 2012: Assessment of natural resource exploitation

A July 2012 assessment found that the exploitation of natural resources since 2009 has had dire consequences for the island's wildlife. 90% of lemur species were found to be threatened with extinction, the highest proportion of any mammalian group, with 23 species classified as critically endangered.

2012: Lemurs as Flagship Species

As of 2012, Conservation International characterized lemurs as "Madagascar's flagship mammal species" due to their diversity and endemism.

2012: GDP per capita Growth

The GDP per capita started growing since 2012.

2013: Hosting rights for FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship

In 2013, Antananarivo gained the hosting rights for the FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship.

2013: Rajaonarimampianina Wins Election

In 2013, Hery Rajaonarimampianina was declared the winner of the presidential election, which was deemed fair and transparent by the international community.

January 2014: Restoration of Constitutional Governance

In January 2014, Madagascar restored constitutional governance, marking the end of a protracted transition following a political crisis and military coup in 2009. This event signified the beginning of the country's fourth republic.

2014: Hosting rights for FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship

In 2014, Antananarivo gained the hosting rights for the FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship.

2014: Bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreaks

In 2014, Madagascar experienced outbreaks of the bubonic and pneumonic plague, resulting in 263 confirmed cases and 71 deaths.

2014: Public expenditure on education

In 2014, public expenditure on education was 2.8% of GDP.

2014: Discovery of the Asian common toad

In 2014, the Asian common toad was discovered in Madagascar. Researchers warned that the toad could "wreak havoc on the country's unique fauna."

2015: Increase of tourism

Compared to 2016, there was an increase of 20% in tourism, with 293,000 tourists landing in the African island

2015: Hosting rights for FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship for Women

In 2015, Antananarivo gained the hosting rights for the FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship for Women.

2015: GDP of Madagascar

In 2015, Madagascar's GDP was estimated at US$9.98 billion, with a per capita GDP of $411.82.

2015: Madagascar Country Programme

Starting in 2015, under the direction of and with assistance from the UN, the World Food Programme started the Madagascar Country Programme with the two main goals of long-term development and reconstruction efforts, and addressing the food insecurity issues in the southern regions of Madagascar.

2016: Expected Growth Rate

During 2011–15, the average growth rate was 2.6% but was expected to have reached 4.1% in 2016, due to public works programs and a growth of the service sector.

2016: Conversion to Orthodox Judaism

In 2016, 121 members of the Malagasy Jewish community were formally converted to Orthodox Judaism.

2016: Increase of tourism

In 2016, 293,000 tourists landed in the African island with an increase of 20% compared to 2015.

2016: Unemployment Cut

In 2016, the unemployment rate was 2.1%.

2016: Road Construction Project

Since 2016, €100.4 million has been paid to the Republic of Madagascar for a project meant to create 348 kilometres of roads and better connections.

January 2017: Police officers deployed in Haiti

As of January 2017, 34 police officers from Madagascar are deployed in Haiti as part of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti.

2017: Tourism Goal

For 2017 the country has the goal of reaching 366,000 visitors.

2017: Poverty and Malnutrition

In 2017, 92% of the population in Madagascar was affected by poverty, and the country ranked fourth globally in chronic malnutrition. A significant portion of children under five were stunted, and a large number of people lacked access to clean water.

2017: Bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreaks

In 2017, Madagascar experienced outbreaks of the bubonic and pneumonic plague, resulting in 2575 cases and 221 deaths.

2017: Economic Indicators

In 2017, the GDP per capita in Madagascar was around $1600 (PPP), and the workforce numbered 13.4 million. The main economic resources included tourism, textiles, agriculture, and mining.

2017: Antananarivo Population

In 2017, the capital's population, Antananarivo, was estimated at 1,391,433 inhabitants.

2018: Tourism Estimates

For 2018 government estimates are expected to reach 500,000 annual tourists.

2018: Presidential Election Held

In 2018 the first and second rounds of the presidential elections were held, with Rajoelina winning the second round amidst allegations of fraud by Ravalomanana.

2018: State of the Economy

In 2018, Madagascar remained a very poor country, facing challenges such as corruption, weak public administration, lack of legal certainty, and outdated land legislation.

2018: Undernourishment and hunger rates

In 2018, undernourishment and hunger rates in Madagascar were at 42%.

January 2019: Rajoelina Declared Winner

In January 2019, the High Constitutional Court declared Rajoelina as the winner of the elections and the new president.

June 2019: Parliamentary Elections

In June 2019 parliamentary elections, Rajoelina's won absolute majority of the seats of the National Assembly, receiving 84 seats.

2019: Measles outbreak

In 2019, Madagascar had a measles outbreak, resulting in 118,000 cases and 1,688 deaths.

2019: National 3x3 basketball team won gold medal

In 2019, Madagascar's national 3x3 basketball team won the gold medal at the African Games.

2020: Religion

According to the Pew Research Center in 2020, 85% of the population identified as Christian.

2020: COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, Madagascar was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Multidimensional Poverty

According to the United Nations Development Programme, as of 2021, 68.4% of the population is multidimensionally poor.

2021: Beginning of Famine

Mid-2021 marked the beginning of the 2021–2022 Madagascar famine which, due to a severe drought, caused hundreds of thousands of people to face food insecurity.

January 2022: Internet Access

By January 2022, 22.3% of the population (6.43 million people) had internet access, mostly through mobile phones.

February 2022: Cyclone Batsirai

In February 2022, Cyclone Batsirai killed 121 people in Madagascar, weeks after Cyclone Ana killed 55 and displaced 130,000 people.

December 2022: Highway Construction Begins

In December 2022, construction began on the Antananarivo–Toamasina toll highway, connecting Madagascar's capital to its largest seaport.

2022: Cost of Adapting to Climate Change

A 2022 analysis found that Madagascar would need to spend 15% of its GDP to adapt to and avert the environmental consequences of climate change.

2022: Continuation of Famine

Mid-2021 marked the beginning of the 2021–2022 Madagascar famine which, due to a severe drought, caused hundreds of thousands of people to face food insecurity and over one million people were on the verge of a famine.

November 2023: Rajoelina Re-elected

In November 2023, Rajoelina was re-elected to another term with 58.95% of the vote in the first round of the election amidst an opposition boycott and a controversy about his acquisition of French citizenship and subsequent eligibility.

2023: Threatened Mammal Species Study

A 2023 study published in Nature Communications found that 120 of the 219 mammal species only found on Madagascar are threatened with extinction.

2023: Lychee Exports

In 2023, high-value cash crops such as lychees saw growth, with 18,000 tons sold abroad.

2024: Population Estimate

In 2024, the population of Madagascar was estimated at 32 million, with an annual growth rate of approximately 2.4%.

January 2025: Food Insecurity

As of January 2025, according to the World Food Programme, 1.31 million citizens in Madagascar faced high levels of food insecurity, with over 90% of its 28 million people living on less than $3.10 per day.