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Photos of Madagascar

Several species of lemurs are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and degradation, hunting, climate change, and the exotic pet trade. Lemurs, like the black-and-white ruffed lemur pictured here, are native only to Madagascar.  Black-and-white ruffed lemurs grow to 50 to 55 cm (20 to 22 in) and their tail adds an additional 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 in); they weigh between 3 and 4.5 kg (6.6 and 10 lbs.). Lemurs feast on a variety of seeds, leaves, and nectar, which they are able to reach with their long tongues. The name lemur, derived from the Latin ‘lemures,’ means ‘specters’ or ‘ghosts.’ In Malagasy culture, lemurs are believed to have souls capable of getting revenge if wronged. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Introduction

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Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Geography

Area

comparison ranking: total 49

Area - comparative

Area comparison map:
Area comparison map

People and Society

Age structure

2023 population pyramid:
2023 population pyramid

Median age

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Population growth rate

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Birth rate

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Death rate

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Net migration rate

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Maternal mortality ratio

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Infant mortality rate

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Total fertility rate

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Tobacco use

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Education expenditures

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Environment

Revenue from coal

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Government

Economy

Real GDP growth rate

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Real GDP per capita

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Labor force

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Unemployment rate

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Public debt

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Taxes and other revenues

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Current account balance

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Exports

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Imports

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Debt - external

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Energy

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Internet users

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Transportation

Airports

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Railways

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Roadways

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Waterways

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Merchant marine

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Military and Security

Military expenditures

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Transnational Issues