History of Madagascar in Timeline

Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the world's fourth-largest island and the 46th-largest country overall. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo. As an island nation, Madagascar's unique biodiversity and geographical isolation have resulted in distinct ecosystems and a high number of endemic species.

1900: Population Size

In 1900, the population of Madagascar was 2.2 million.

1905: Malagasikara name reference

In 1905, Charles Basset noted in his doctoral thesis that "Malagasikara" was the local name for the island, with natives emphasizing their identity as Malagasy.

1927: Major demonstrations in Antananarivo

In 1927, major demonstrations were organized in Antananarivo, led by communist activist François Vittori, resulting in his imprisonment.

1939: Dissolution of organizations

In 1939, all organizations were dissolved by the administration of the colony, which opted for the Vichy regime.

1947: MDRM accused of insurrection

In 1947, the MDRM was accused by the colonial regime of being at the origin of the insurrection and was violently repressed.

1947: Malagasy Uprising

In 1947, the Malagasy Uprising occurred, galvanized by the occupation of France during World War II and leading to the establishment of reformed institutions.

1956: Establishment of reformed institutions

In 1956, the French established reformed institutions in Madagascar under the Loi Cadre (Overseas Reform Act), facilitating the country's move toward 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.

1958: European Population

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

1958: Official Languages of the Malagasy Republic

In 1958, the first national Constitution named Malagasy and French as 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.

June 1960: Madagascar gains independence

Madagascar gained its independence on June 26, 1960.

June 1960: Full independence

On June 26, 1960, Madagascar achieved full independence.

September 1960: Madagascar joins the UN

Madagascar became a member state of the United Nations on September 20, 1960, shortly after gaining its independence on June 26, 1960.

1960: Capital of independent Madagascar

In 1960, Antananarivo remained the capital of Madagascar after regaining independence.

1960: Independence gained from France

In 1960, Madagascar gained independence from France after being annexed in 1897. This marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era for the country.

1960: First Republic established

In 1960, the First Republic was established in Madagascar under President Philibert Tsiranana, characterized by strong ties to France.

1960: Restoration of military 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 competitors to 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 Tsiranana's neo-colonial policies led to the overthrow of his administration.

1973: Oil Crisis Impact

In 1973, the oil crisis put economic pressure on Madagascar, contributing to the rapid collapse of the country's economy.

1975: Ratsiraka in power

From 1975 to 2001, Ratsiraka remained in power and failed to achieve significant improvements in education throughout his tenure.

1975: Ramanantsoa stepped 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 two general censuses after independence was carried out in Madagascar.

1976: Exodus of Comorans

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

1976: Mandatory national service instated

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.

1979: Bankruptcy

By 1979, Madagascar had become completely bankrupt as a result of economic insularity and the economic pressures stemming from the 1973 oil crisis.

1990: Fertility Rate

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

1991: Presidential guards open fire on protesters

In 1991, presidential guards opened fire on unarmed protesters during a rally, marking a critical point in Ratsiraka's dwindling popularity.

1991: End of mandatory national 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 was in effect to 1991.

1992: Presidency of Albert Zafy

From 1992 to 1996, Albert Zafy held a brief presidency in Madagascar.

1992: Zafy wins presidential elections

In 1992, Albert Zafy won the presidential elections and inaugurated the Third Republic, establishing a multi-party democracy and separation of powers.

1992: Constitutional democracy established

In 1992, Madagascar transitioned to a constitutional democracy, marking the beginning of a new period of governance for the country.

1992: Constitution of 1992

In 1992, the constitution did not mention official languages, although Malagasy was identified as the national language.

1993: Religion Demographics

According to the national census completed in 1993, 52% of the population adhered to indigenous beliefs, Christianity was the largest single religion at 41%, and Islam was at 7%.

1993: Zafy's rule

In 1993 Albert Zafy ruled as president until 1996.

1993: General Census

In 1993, one of two general censuses after independence was carried out in Madagascar.

1993: End of the Second Republic

In 1993, the Marxist-Leninist Second Republic, which had been in place since 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: Presidency of Albert Zafy

From 1992 to 1996, Albert Zafy held a brief presidency in Madagascar.

1996: Zafy impeached, Ratsiraka voted back into power

In 1996, Zafy was impeached due to economic decline and corruption allegations. Ratsiraka was then voted back into power for a second term.

April 2000: Legal case regarding the use of French

In April 2000, a citizen initiated a legal case against the state, arguing that the publication of official documents only in French was unconstitutional. The High Constitutional Court observed that, in the absence of a language law, French still had the character of an official language.

2000: Early human visits

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

2000: New lemur species described

Between 2000 and 2008, zoologists described 39 new species and subspecies of lemur.

2000: Timber Harvesting Banned

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

2001: Military neutrality during political standoff

During the protracted standoff between incumbent Ratsiraka and challenger Marc Ravalomanana in the disputed 2001 presidential elections, the military remained largely neutral.

2001: Post-election 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.

2001: Ratsiraka in power

From 1975 to 2001, Ratsiraka remained in power and failed to achieve significant improvements in education throughout his tenure.

2001: Dispute over presidential election results

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

2001: End of Ratsiraka's second term

In 2001, Ratsiraka's second term as president came to an end.

2001: Contested presidential elections

In 2001, the contested presidential elections, in which Marc Ravalomanana eventually emerged victorious, led to a seven-month standoff.

2002: Standoff between supporters of Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka

In 2002, a seven-month standoff occurred between supporters of Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka, causing negative economic impact.

2002: Education prioritized under Ravalomanana administration

In 2002, education was prioritized under the Ravalomanana administration, making it free and compulsory for ages 6 to 13.

2002: Dissolution of the Organisation of African Unity

The Organisation of African Unity, of which Madagascar was a founding member in 1963, 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 established as a collaboration between USAID and Malagasy artisan producers to promote the export of local handicrafts to international markets.

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 km2 or 10 percent of Madagascar's land surface.

2003: Madagascar rejoins the African Union

In July 2003, Madagascar rejoined the African Union after a 14-month hiatus due to a dispute over the results of the 2001 presidential election.

2004: Cyclone Gafilo

In 2004, Cyclone Gafilo, the strongest cyclone ever recorded to hit Madagascar, caused extensive damage, killing 172 people and leaving 214,260 homeless.

2004: Creation of BIANCO

In 2004, Ravalomanana created BIANCO, an anti-corruption bureau, resulting 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 World Heritage Site

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

2007: Recognition of Three Official Languages

The Constitution of 2007 recognized three official languages: Malagasy, French, and English.

2008: New lemur species described

Between 2000 and 2008, zoologists described 39 new species and subspecies of lemur.

2008: Tourist visits

In 2008, an estimated 365,000 tourists visited Madagascar.

2008: Government Spending on Health

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

2008: Construction of Ehoala Port

In 2008, the Ehoala port was constructed. It is privately managed by Rio Tinto and will come under state control around 2038.

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: Maternal Mortality Rate

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

January 2009: Re-authorization of precious timber harvesting

In January 2009, under the administration of Andry Rajoelina, the collection of small quantities of precious timber from national parks was re-authorized and dramatically intensified 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: Ravalomanana pushed from power

In early 2009, opposition leader Andry Rajoelina led a movement in which Ravalomanana was pushed from power in an unconstitutional process. In March 2009, Rajoelina was declared President of the High Transitional Authority.

2009: Dire consequences for the island's wildlife

According to a July 2012 assessment, the exploitation of natural resources since 2009 has had dire consequences for the island's wildlife.

2009: Increased Media Censorship

Accusations of media censorship have increased since 2009 due to alleged intensification of restrictions on political criticism.

2009: Access to utilities in Madagascar

As of 2009, only 6.8 percent of Madagascar's fokontany had access to water provided by Jirama, while 9.5 percent had access to its electricity services.

2009: Impact of budget cuts on the police force

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

2009: FIBA Africa Championship for Women hosting rights

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, leading to a period of transition toward a new republic.

2009: Army defection to Rajoelina's side

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 as Percentage of GDP

In 2009, exports constituted 28% of Madagascar's GDP, with the textiles industry, fish, shellfish, vanilla, and cloves being the primary sources of export revenue.

2009: Fertility Rate

In 2009, the Malagasy fertility rate was 4.6 children per woman.

2009: Violent protests led by Rajoelina

In early 2009, a series of protests led by Andry Rajoelina against Ravalomanana became violent, resulting in more than 170 deaths.

2010: Healthcare Infrastructure

In 2010, Madagascar had an average of three hospital beds per 10,000 people, with a total of 3,150 doctors, 5,661 nurses, and 57 dentists for a population of 22 million.

2010: Road and Railway Network

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

2010: New constitution adopted

In 2010, a new constitution was adopted by referendum, establishing a Fourth Republic.

2010: End of Third Republic

In 2010, the Third Republic (1992-2010) came to an end.

2010: Maternal Mortality Rate

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

2010: Decline of tourism

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

2010: Recognition of Two Official Languages

The Constitution adopted in 2010 following a referendum, recognized only Malagasy and French as official languages.

December 2011: Internet Access Growth

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

2011: Protected areas by the state

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: FIBA Africa Championship hosting rights

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

2011: Agriculture sector in Malagasy GDP

In 2011, the agriculture sector constituted 29 percent of Malagasy GDP.

2011: Scouting membership

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

2011: Teen Pregnancy Rate

In 2011, the teen pregnancy rate in Madagascar was 14.8 percent.

2011: Economic Growth

Since 2011, Madagascar's economy experienced growth, with the GDP growth exceeding 4% per year.

July 2012: Assessment of natural resources exploitation

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

2012: Lemurs as flagship species

As of 2012, Conservation International characterized lemurs as "Madagascar's flagship mammal species".

2012: GDP per capita growth

Since 2012, Madagascar has experienced a growth in GDP per capita.

2013: FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship hosting rights

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

2013: Rajaonarimampianina wins presidential election

In 2013, Hery Rajaonarimampianina was declared the winner of the presidential election.

January 2014: Restoration of constitutional governance

In January 2014, constitutional governance was restored in Madagascar, marking the transition towards the fourth and current republic.

2014: FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship hosting rights

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

2014: Bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreaks

In 2014, Madagascar had outbreaks of the bubonic and pneumonic plague, with 263 confirmed cases and 71 deaths.

2014: Public expenditure on education

In 2014, public expenditure on education was 2.8 percent of GDP in Madagascar.

2014: Discovery of the Asian common toad

In 2014, the Asian common toad was discovered in Madagascar, prompting researchers to warn that it could "wreak havoc on the country's unique fauna".

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

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

2015: Tourism sector growth

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

2015: Madagascar's GDP estimated

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

2015: Madagascar Country Programme started

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: Growth rate expected to reach 4.1%

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 tourists compared to 2015

In 2016, 293,000 tourists landed in Madagascar, representing an increase of 20% compared to 2015.

2016: Unemployment rate decrease

In 2016, the unemployment rate in Madagascar was 2.1%.

2016: Road Connection Project

Since 2016, €100.4 million has been paid to the Republic of Madagascar for a road connection project to create 348 kilometres (216 mi) of roads.

January 2017: Police officers deployed to 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 sector goal

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

2017: Poverty and Malnutrition

In 2017, 92% of Madagascar's population was affected by poverty, and the country ranked fourth in the world for chronic malnutrition, with nearly half of children under five being stunted. Access to clean water was also a major challenge, affecting twelve million people.

2017: Bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreaks

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

2017: Economic Status in Madagascar

In 2017, Madagascar's GDP per capita was approximately $1600 (PPP), and the workforce consisted of 13.4 million people.

2017: Top Exports

In 2017, Madagascar's top exports included vanilla (US$894M), nickel metal (US$414M), cloves (US$288M), knitted sweaters (US$184M) and cobalt (US$143M).

2017: Antananarivo population estimate

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

2018: Government tourism estimates

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

2018: Economic Struggles in Madagascar

In 2018, Madagascar remained a very poor country, facing structural challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic obstacles, lack of legal certainty, and outdated land legislation.

2018: Presidential election

In 2018, presidential elections were held with Rajoelina winning the second round, while Ravalomana did not accept the results due to fraud allegations.

2018: Undernourishment and hunger rates

In 2018, undernourishment and hunger rates in Madagascar reached 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, Rajoelina's party won an absolute majority of seats in the National Assembly, consolidating his power.

2019: Measles outbreak

In 2019, Madagascar was struck by a measles outbreak, which led to 118,000 cases and 1,688 deaths.

2019: 3x3 basketball team won the gold medal at the African Games

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

2020: COVID-19 pandemic

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

2020: Muslim Population

In 2020, Muslims constituted 2% of the population of Madagascar.

2020: Pew Research Center Report

In 2020, the Pew Research Center reported that 85% of the population identified as Christian, while just 4.5% exclusively practiced folk religions.

2021: Percentage of multidimensionally poor

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

2021: High poverty rate

As of 2021, 68.4% of the population in Madagascar was considered multidimensionally poor, indicating widespread economic hardship.

2021: Beginning of famine

Mid-2021 marked the beginning of the 2021–2022 Madagascar famine.

January 2022: Internet Access in Madagascar

By January 2022, 22.3 percent of Madagascar's population (6.43 million people) had internet access, primarily 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.

December 2022: Construction of Antananarivo-Toamasina Toll Highway

In December 2022, construction commenced on the Antananarivo–Toamasina toll highway, Madagascar's first toll highway, connecting the capital to its largest seaport. The project is estimated to cost US$1,000,000,000 and is expected to take four years.

2022: Analysis of costs of climate change

A 2022 analysis found that the expected costs for Madagascar, to adapt to and avert the environmental consequences of climate change, are going to be high.

November 2023: Rajoelina re-elected

In November 2023, Rajoelina was re-elected to another term with 58.95% of the vote amidst an opposition boycott and controversy about his citizenship.

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 to Europe

In 2023, Madagascar exported 16,000 tons of lychees to Europe out of 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 Crisis

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

2038: Ehoala Port to come under state control

Around 2038, the Ehoala port, constructed in 2008 and privately managed by Rio Tinto, will come under state control upon completion of the company's mining project near Tôlanaro.