Head of state: Andry Rajoelina  (President of the transitional government)
Head of government: Jean Omer Beriziky (PM of the transitional government)
Type of state: Republic
Regime: Transitional government since 17 March 2009 
Land area: 587,041 km2
Capital: Antananarivo
Population: 20m
Religions: 52% indigenous beliefs, 41% Christian, 7% Moslem  
Languages: Malagasy, French
Currency: Ariary (MGA)
Gross domestic product (GDP) 2010: USD 8.33 billion
Change over previous year: -8.1%
Per capita GDP 2010: USD 391
Swiss colony 2010: 430 persons
Swiss exports 2010: CHF 2.88 million
Change over previous year: -0.7%
Swiss imports 2010: CHF 9.73 million
Change over previous year: +57.2%