People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Malagasy.
Population (2005, World Bank estimate): 18,600,000.
Annual population growth rate (2005, World Bank): 2.7%.
Ethnic groups: 18 Malagasy tribes; small groups of Comorans, French, Indians, and Chinese.
Religions: Traditional beliefs 47%, Christian 45%, Muslim 7%.
Languages: Malagasy (official), French.
Education: Years compulsory--5. Attendance--65%. Literacy--70.7%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--76/1,000. Life expectancy--55.6 yrs.
Work force (2000): 8 million. Agriculture--80%; industry--7%.