y for Madagascar Independence - Renewal
(AKFM-Fanavaozana), and some 12 other parties, trade unions, and
religious groups; Militant Party for the Development of Madagascar
(PMDM/MFM), formerly the Movement for Proletarian Power, Manandafy
RAKOTONIRINA; Confederation of Civil Societies for Development
(CSCD), Guy Willy RAZANAMASY; Association of United Malagasys
(Famima); Rally for Social Democracy (RPSD), Pierre TSIRANANA

Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Christian
Churches (FFKM); Federalist Movement

International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,
ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,
WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO
chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525, 5526
consulate(s) general: New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki J. HUDDLESTON
embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo
mailing address: B. P. 620, Antananarivo
telephone: [261] (2) 212-57, 200-89, 207-18
FAX: [261] (2) 234-539

Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a
vertical white band of the same width on hoist side

Economy
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Economic overview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in
the world, suffering from chronic malnutrition, underfunded health
and education facilities, a roughly 3% annual population growth
rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion.
Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the
economy, accounting for 35% of GDP and contributing more than 70% of
export earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of
agricultural products and textile manufacturing; it accounts for 15%
of GDP. In 1986, the government introduced a five-year development
plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990,
increased production for export, and reduced energy imports.
Subsequently, growth in output has been held back because of
protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political
reform. Since 1993, corruption and political instability have caused
the economy and infrastructure to decay further.