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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 *****.

Introduction

World Factbook Glyph

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

comparison ranking: total 193

Population growth rate

comparison ranking: 33

Birth rate

comparison ranking: 34

Death rate

comparison ranking: 163

Net migration rate

comparison ranking: 85

Maternal mortality ratio

comparison ranking: 24

Infant mortality rate

comparison ranking: total 31

Total fertility rate

comparison ranking: 35

Tobacco use

comparison ranking: total 38

Education expenditures

comparison ranking: 157

Environment

Revenue from coal

comparison ranking: 155

Government

Economy

Real GDP growth rate

comparison ranking: 77

Real GDP per capita

comparison ranking: 212

Labor force

comparison ranking: 40

Unemployment rate

comparison ranking: 48

Public debt

comparison ranking: 148

Taxes and other revenues

comparison ranking: 182

Current account balance

comparison ranking: 134

Exports

comparison ranking: 142

Imports

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Debt - external

comparison ranking: 66

Energy

Communications

Internet users

comparison ranking: total 83

Transportation

Airports

comparison ranking: 57

Railways

comparison ranking: total 95

Roadways

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Waterways

comparison ranking: 86

Merchant marine

comparison ranking: total 135

Military and Security

Military expenditures

comparison ranking: 144

Transnational Issues