Formerly an independent
kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, 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 second presidential race, Didier Ratsiraka, the leader
during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001
presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier
Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana, nearly causing secession of half of
the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced
Ravalomanana the winner. Ravalomanana is now in his second term
following a landslide victory in the generally free and fair
presidential elections of 2006.
English,
French,
and Malagasy are the official languages.