Madagascar Country Report
Madagascar is a developing country located in the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Africa. Despite being rich in natural resources, the world’s fourth-largest island remains one of the world’s poorest countries due to a combination of poor governance, corruption, and frequent administrative crises. Indeed, political divisions and conflicts remain a permanent obstacle to Madagascar’s socio-economic development. Deep-rooted poverty and limited growth prospects have led to higher rates of petty and violent crime. The presence of several potentially fatal diseases, particularly plague and malaria, and the lack of access to health care in many parts of the island make widespread and prolonged outbreaks difficult. This happens often. Antananarivo has reasonable infrastructure by regional standards, with adequate communications and public service provision in the capital. However, limited transportation and medical infrastructure are some of the main concerns of foreign travelers outside the capital.
Last updated: April 11, 2022
Security
Crime rates have increased over the past decade due to the country’s political turmoil and worsening economic conditions. Social and economic dissatisfaction and political developments led to intermittent civil wars in major population centers. Madagascar has experienced sporadic low-level bomb attacks linked to political unrest on the island, but they pose a limited threat to foreigners.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Infrastructure
Changing road conditions and bad driving habits make land travel in Madagascar dangerous. Fuel shortages and power outages are common, and communication networks outside urban centers are unreliable.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Environment
The country is vulnerable to disruptive cyclones between November and April.
Last update: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
Madagascar regularly experiences outbreaks of deadly diseases, particularly plague and malaria, and the country’s health sector is under-resourced and struggles to provide even basic health services outside of Antananarivo.
Last updated: February 24, 2022
Political
Protracted political disputes and conflicts undermine the government’s efficiency and ability to enact much-needed reforms. In addition, persistent corruption remains a major obstacle to foreign investment.
Last updated: March 25, 2022
