Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries despite extraordinary natural wealth, a vast Indian Ocean island whose economy rests on agriculture, mining, and tourism drawn by its unique wildlife.

Recurring political crises and cyclones have undermined development, and most of the population lives on subsistence farming.

Key Sectors

The economy rests on agriculture — Madagascar is the world's leading producer of vanilla — alongside mining (nickel, cobalt, graphite), textiles, and ecotourism built on its singular biodiversity.