Madagascar

Population: 15,982,563 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: French (official), Malagasy (official)

Background: Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997 in the...

Currency: Malagasy franc (MGF, No information)

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.