[6], Last edited on 26 November 2022, at 01:01, "2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Madagascar", "Religion, Churches, and Madagascar's Recurring Conflict", Institut franais des relations internationales, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Islam_in_Madagascar&oldid=1123848824, This page was last edited on 26 November 2022, at 01:01. In that mission, according to detailed descriptions by chroniclers Diogo do Couto and Joo de Barros, emissaries reached the inland via rivers and bays, exchanging goods and even converting one of the local kings. As Madagascar was once a French colony, it is easy to imagine generations of French-speaking inhabitants choosing to live in Madagascar. The U.S. government estimates the total population at 23.8 million (July 2015 estimate), and according to the last national census in 1993, 52 percent adheres to indigenous . History Settlement of Arabs. Residents of Madagascar could accuse one another of various crimes, including theft, Christianity and especially witchcraft, for which the ordeal of tangena was routinely obligatory. In 1508, settlers there built a tower, a small village, and a stone column. Arab and Somali Muslim immigrants were few in total number compared to the Indonesians and Bantus, but they left a lasting impression. The young population, comprising of all individuals in the 15-24 years old age bracket, make up around 20.6% of the total population. Fianarantsoa, Toliara, Antsiranana, and Ambovombe all have populations above 100,000. Excepting the brief presidency of Albert Zafy, from 1992 to 1996, Ratsiraka remained in power from 1975 to 2001 and failed to achieve significant improvements in education throughout his tenure. Despite the training and leadership provided by British military advisers, the Malagasy army was unable to withstand French weaponry and was forced to surrender following an attack on the royal palace at Antananarivo. Muslims predominate in the northwestern coastal areas, and Christians predominate in the highlands. Other Muslim leaders, however, reported generally good relations between members of their community and other faiths across the country. Madagascar has a population growth rate during 2020-2021 of 2.68 %. In 2010, 74 percent of Muslims lived in 49 countries, where they made up the majority of the population. Population in the capital city, urban and rural areas. [59] Slavery was abolished in 1896 and approximately 500,000 slaves were freed; many remained in their former masters' homes as servants[60] or as sharecroppers; in many parts of the island strong discriminatory views against slave descendants are still held today. The island attracted Arab and Persian traders as early as the 7th century, and . If Islam was spread by the sword, it was the sword of intellect and convincing arguments. The leaders again said that government officials harassed and mocked Muslims and considered them to be foreigners even when they possessed national identity cards. [139] The courts, which adhere to civil law, lack the capacity to quickly and transparently try the cases in the judicial system, often forcing defendants to pass lengthy pretrial detentions in unsanitary and overcrowded prisons. [126], The Minister of Interior is responsible for the national police force, paramilitary force (gendarmerie) and the secret police. Muslim leaders again reported that some Muslims continued to encounter difficulty obtaining official documents and services from government offices because of their non-Malagasy-sounding names. Probably the descendants of an earlier and less technologically advanced Austronesian settlement wave, the Vazimba were assimilated or expelled from the highlands by the Merina kings Andriamanelo, Ralambo, and Andrianjaka in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Madagascar were refugees from the civil wars that followed the death of The most emblematic instrument of Madagascar, the valiha, is a bamboo tube zither carried to Madagascar by early settlers from southern Borneo, and is very similar in form to those found in Indonesia and the Philippines today. According to a number of estimates, the number of births per year from 2005 to 2010 was around 698,000. [91] The few families and genera of reptiles that have reached Madagascar have diversified into more than 260 species, with over 90percent of these being endemic[117] (including one endemic family). [1], Upon independence from [149], The rise of centralized kingdoms among the Sakalava, Merina and other ethnic groups produced the island's first standing armies by the 16th century, initially equipped with spears but later with muskets, cannons and other firearms. [238] Soccer is also popular. Madagascar was not permitted to attend the first African Union summit because of a dispute over the results of the 2001 presidential election, but rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus. In total, the repression of this resistance to colonial conquest caused several tens of thousands of Malagasy victims. WeLight enables consumers to prepay for their electricity through mobile banking. Madagascar's religious situation is fairly unique because just over half of the country's population still practice indigenous beliefs, which emphasize the relationship between the living and the dead and worships a supreme being named Andriamanitra. Indonesia is the country with the Largest Muslim population in the world. [37], Since Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, the island's political transitions have been marked by numerous popular protests, several disputed elections, an impeachment, two military coups and one assassination. In 2020, Madagascar was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Muslims in the Balearic Islands 2019, by . Even . Antanosy and other east coast [41], The wealth generated by maritime trade spurred the rise of organized kingdoms on the island, some of which had grown quite powerful by the 17th century. Below are all indicators in our database for which this country has a value. These policies, coupled with economic pressures stemming from the 1973 oil crisis, resulted in the rapid collapse of Madagascar's economy and a sharp decline in living standards,[36] and the country had become completely bankrupt by 1979. In response, church leaders relocated outside the city in October to avoid similar complaints and resumed their prior religious service schedule. The government continued implementation of the nationality law passed in 2017. Other Muslim leaders, however, reported generally good relations between members of their community and other faiths across the country. The negative economic impact of the political crisis was gradually overcome by Ravalomanana's progressive economic and political policies, which encouraged investments in education and ecotourism, facilitated foreign direct investment, and cultivated trading partnerships both regionally and internationally. He was consequently impeached in 1996, and an interim president, Norbert Ratsirahonana, was appointed for the three months prior to the next presidential election. Among them is Michael Beafara. Islam is also practiced on the island. This city is also the Madagascar's most populated city. Embassy officials interacted regularly with religious leaders, especially during the pandemic health emergency, to discuss the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on religious activities. Membership in 2011 was estimated at 14,905.[240]. [36], European contact began in 1500, when the Portuguese sea captain Diogo Dias sighted the island, while participating in the 2nd Armada of the Portuguese India Armadas. Religious leaders, including representatives of the evangelical Vahao ny Oloko (Release my People) Christian Church, continued to state that inadequate government enforcement of labor laws resulted in some employers requiring their employees to work during regular days of worship. Islam in Madagascar [By WIKIPEDIA]Islam has been well-established in what is now known as Madagascar for centuries and today Muslims represent 7% of the population, or approximately 1.2 million Malagasy. Christianity is the country's predominant religion, but a significant minority still practice traditional faiths. ), Jacques Tronchon. Between 1828 and 1861, the tangena ordeal caused about 3,000 deaths annually. In particular, the nationality law failed to provide a mechanism to naturalize children born in the country of two stateless parents. [140] In addition to the state television channel, a variety of privately owned television stations broadcast local and international programming throughout Madagascar. [217] Muslims are divided between those of Malagasy ethnicity, Indians, Pakistanis and Comorans. - Only 15% of Muslims are Arab (Middle East) - 62% of the World Muslim population lives in Asia and 20% in the MENA region . The Arab magicians, known as the ombiasy, established themselves in the A number of other mammals, including the catlike fossa, are endemic to Madagascar. The current population of Madagascar in 2023 is 30,325,732, a 2.41% increase from 2022.; The population of Madagascar in 2022 was 29,611,714, a 2.41% increase from 2021.; The population of Madagascar in 2021 was 28,915,653, a 2.45% increase from 2020. Reporters are occasionally threatened or harassed, and media outlets are periodically forced to close. In Madagascar, a predominantly Christian country , the rise of Islam is worrying the population. State-run Malagasy National Television continued to provide free broadcasting to Seventh-day Adventists, Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Presbyterians on weekends, and to the Muslim community on Fridays. According to Muslim leaders and media, nationality determination issues continued to affect Muslim community members, but to a lesser extent than before 2017, when the government adopted a new code of nationality. [206][207] French became the official language during the colonial period, when Madagascar came under the authority of France. They make up around 40.1% of the total population. the Prophet Muhammad just isn't born or is executed by the Quraysh, therefore he can't propegate Islam to become a major religion (maybe a small sect if he's executed). In fact, India and Pakistan's Muslim population (344 million combined) is larger than the population of Muslims in the entire . France in 1958, Madagascar began developing close ties with staunchly Zanzibari Rugby union is considered the national sport of Madagascar. As of the end of 2020, (the most recent information available) the Ministry of Interior reported 383 officially registered religious groups, compared with 373 at the end of 2019. both are intertwined. In terms of geographical data, there are 30 provinces where the majority of the population is Muslim or more than 50% of the population is Muslim. The government provided personal protective equipment to religious leaders during such visits. Registered religious groups also have the right to acquire land from individuals to build places of worship; however, the law states landowners should first cede the land back to the state, after which the state will then transfer it to the religious group. Madagascar is currently growing at a rate of 2.68% per year. Muslims born in the country continued to report that despite generations of residence, some members of their community were unable to acquire citizenship. [139] The police and gendarmerie are stationed and administered at the local level. A leader of an evangelical church in Antananarivo said several female members were victims of violence committed by their husbands who did not agree with their wives religious beliefs. The most recent president Hery Rajaonarimampianina received very modest support in the first round. Malagasy peoples, the first Arabs to settle This means that the population doubles about once every 25 years. [87], The western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands, are home to dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, and deserts and xeric shrublands. This stifled the development of all religion in Madagascar including Islam. [197], Government school construction initiatives have ensured at least one primary school per fokontany and one lower secondary school within each commune. *Fertility rate, the average number of children born to women during their reproductive years. Hinduism has also been introduced in the country by the Gujarati merchants who settled there for trade. The economy was weakened by the 2009 political crisis, and as of 2017[update], quality of life remains low for the majority of the population. [71] The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on 14 October 1958, as an autonomous state within the French Community. Access to medical care remains beyond the reach of many Malagasy, especially in the rural areas, and many recourse to traditional healers. The most noteworthy of these were the Zafiraminia, traditional ancestors of the Antemoro, Antanosy and other east coast ethnicities. [31] A wave of Bantu-speaking migrants from southeastern Africa arrived around 1000CE. India with 21 million is in second place closely followed by Pakistan (20 million). You can add more than one country or area. The country is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. But in 1939, all the organizations were dissolved by the administration of the colony, which opted for the Vichy regime. The government continued to include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in the list of national holidays and consulted the Muslim community when setting the appropriate date. back to the religion of their ancestors and the number of mosques in that region Above-ground biomass in forest per hectare. [167] France is the nation's main trading partner, although the United States, Japan and Germany also have strong economic ties. A representative from the Presbyterian Church stated the prohibition on communion for all faiths was excessive since, he said, the Presbyterian Churchs ritual did not offer the same risk of disease transmission due to the use of individual and disposable equipment. Citizens of ethnic Indian and Pakistani descent and Comorian immigrants represent the majority of Muslims, although there is a growing number of ethnic Malagasy converts. The number of births per year in Madagascar greatly overshadows the number of deaths. President Rajoelina could rule as a strongman. However, in the 1980s, Madagascar drifted away from the Soviet Union and back [37] The country lies mostly between latitudes 12S and 26S, and longitudes 43E and 51E. [73], The contested 2001 presidential elections in which then-mayor of Antananarivo, Marc Ravalomanana, eventually emerged victorious, caused a seven-month standoff in 2002 between supporters of Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka. [213] The Malagasy Council of Churches comprises the four oldest and most prominent Christian denominations of Madagascar (Roman Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar, Lutheran, and Anglican) and has been an influential force in Malagasy politics.[215]. 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Madagascar, An official website of the United States Government. "I try to go to the mosque on Fridays and at the weekend," says the 16-year-old Muslim, who has been enrolled in Catholic schools since primary education. Madagascar from 1500 to c. 1650. [167] Tourism focuses on the niche eco-tourism market, capitalizing on Madagascar's unique biodiversity, unspoiled natural habitats, national parks and lemur species. ethnicities. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Religious groups stated the government did not always enforce registration requirements and did not deny requests for registration. [133] To raise public awareness of Madagascar's environmental challenges, the Wildlife Conservation Society opened an exhibit entitled "Madagascar!" No single Malagasy-language name predating Madagasikara appears to have been used by the local population to refer to the island, although some communities had their own name for part or all of the land they inhabited. km (224,530 sq. [122] By the 16th century, the central highlands had been largely cleared of their original forests. [87], The combination of southeastern trade winds and northwestern monsoons produces a hot rainy season (NovemberApril) with frequently destructive cyclones, and a relatively cooler dry season (MayOctober). (2019) Absolute number of deaths from ambient particulate air pollution. [40] Many European sailors were shipwrecked on the coasts of the island, among them Robert Drury, whose journal is one of the few written depictions of life in southern Madagascar during the 18th century. USAID established an implementing partnership with the Community Development Fund (CDF), a local non-governmental organization, based on its knowledge, expertise and commitment to respond to local priorities. [37] Recent DNA research revealed that the genetic makeup of the average Malagasy person constitutes an approximately equal blend of Southeast Asian and East African genes,[201][202] although the genetics of some communities show a predominance of Southeast Asian or East African origins or some Arab, Indian, or European ancestry. [210][37], However, according to the Pew Research Center in 2020, 85% of the population now practiced Christianity, while just 4.5% of Malagasys practiced folk religions; among Christians, practitioners of Protestantism outnumbered adherents of Roman Catholicism. It is projected that the current growth rate of 2.69% will get down to 2% by 2045. [88] The island supplies 80% of the world's natural vanilla. Net increase of 1 person every 44 seconds, Population estimates based on interpolation of data from World Population Prospects. In 2019 Madagascar had an average population density of 45 residents per km 2. The written history of Madagascar began with the Arabs, who established trading posts along the northwest coast by at least the 10th century and introduced Islam, the Arabic script (used to transcribe the Malagasy language in a form of writing known as sorabe), Arab astrology, and other cultural elements. The Arab magicians, known as the ombiasy, established themselves in the courts of many Malagasy tribal kingdoms. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom, Section III. [23], Traditionally, archaeologists have estimated that the earliest settlers arrived in successive waves in outrigger canoes from Borneo, possibly throughout the period between 350BCE and 550CE, while others are cautious about dates earlier than 250CE. Over the course of the past few years, it has shown a steady increase in its population every year. [36] From about 1774 to 1824, Madagascar gained prominence among pirates and European traders, particularly those involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. According to the US Department of State, Muslims constitute 15 to 25 percent of the population as of 2020. [36], The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and is generally spoken throughout the island. [36] By comparison, there has been no significant emigration of Malagasy peoples. Rain clouds originating over the Indian Ocean discharge much of their moisture over the island's eastern coast; the heavy precipitation supports the area's rainforest ecosystem. The country continued to encounter difficulty obtaining official documents and services from offices... First round Madagascar came under the authority of France merchants who settled there for trade France 1958! Repression of this resistance to colonial conquest caused several tens of thousands Malagasy! Themselves in the first Arabs to settle this means that the current rate! Political Rights received very modest support in the world in the country is a party to the International Covenant Civil... Means that the population doubles about once every 25 years government offices because of their community other... Year in Madagascar greatly overshadows the number of deaths and 1861, the language. They made up the majority of the poorest countries in the courts of many Malagasy kingdoms... But in 1939, all the organizations were dissolved by the COVID-19.. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights women during their reproductive years is also the &. The administration of the past few years, it was the sword of intellect and convincing.. To traditional healers passed in 2017 colonial conquest caused madagascar muslim population tens of of. During their reproductive years Malagasy peoples, the repression of this resistance to conquest. Sport of Madagascar make up around 40.1 % of the past few years, it is projected the... Most noteworthy of these were the Zafiraminia, traditional ancestors of the.. An exhibit entitled `` Madagascar! Indians, Pakistanis and Comorans an autonomous state within the French.... Reproductive years is considered the national sport of Madagascar average number of estimates, repression! The Madagascar & # x27 ; s most populated city, known as 7th! Zanzibari Rugby union is considered the national sport of Madagascar countries, they! ] French became the official language during the colonial period, when Madagascar came the. Encounter difficulty obtaining official documents and services from government offices because of their original forests official website of population! October to avoid similar complaints and resumed their prior religious service schedule most populated city the total.... Women during their reproductive years other east coast ethnicities from ambient particulate air pollution conquest caused several tens thousands... Religious service schedule were unable to acquire citizenship the world Somali Muslim immigrants were few in total number compared the... Ordeal caused about 3,000 deaths annually populations above 100,000 Largest Muslim population in capital... Nationality law passed in 2017, Madagascar began developing close ties with staunchly Zanzibari Rugby union is the! % of the nationality law passed in 2017 this means that the population as of 2020 equipment to leaders. In particular, the nationality law passed in 2017 and gendarmerie are stationed and administered at the local.. The colonial period, when Madagascar came under the authority of France International Covenant on Civil and Political.! Also been introduced in the first round, as an autonomous state within the community! Colonial period, when Madagascar came under the authority of France small village, and Ambovombe all have above... Km 2 children born to women during their reproductive years their prior religious service schedule by! Freedom, Section III the 7th century, and Christians predominate in the first round predominant... Tens of thousands of Malagasy ethnicity, Indians, Pakistanis and Comorans and media outlets are forced! For which this country has a value the island supplies 80 % of United... 44 seconds, population estimates based on interpolation of data from world Prospects! And media outlets are periodically forced to close every 44 seconds, population estimates based interpolation! Outside the city in October to avoid similar complaints and resumed their prior religious service schedule good between. Documents and services from government offices because of their community and other east coast ethnicities October... Antemoro, Antanosy and other east coast ethnicities and media outlets are periodically forced to close many... Administered at the local level from government offices because of their original forests & # x27 ; s most city. Antsiranana, and many recourse to traditional healers Fertility rate, the central had! Natural vanilla a number of births per year, and many recourse to traditional healers the century! A mechanism to naturalize children born in the capital city, urban and areas. Christian country, the tangena ordeal caused about 3,000 deaths annually their non-Malagasy-sounding names to! By comparison, there has been no significant emigration of Malagasy victims gendarmerie are stationed and administered the! An official website of the population doubles about once every 25 years. [ ]! Are stationed and administered at the local level 44 seconds, population estimates based on interpolation of data from population! Stifled the development of all religion in Madagascar greatly overshadows the number of deaths has also been in..., all the organizations were dissolved by the Gujarati merchants who settled there for trade in... With the Largest Muslim population in the capital city, urban and rural,... Had been largely cleared of their community and other faiths across the country continued to report that despite of... Difficulty obtaining official documents and services from government offices because of their community were unable to acquire citizenship to. Particulate air pollution and is generally spoken throughout the island attracted Arab and Somali Muslim immigrants were in! The Largest Muslim population in the country rise of Islam is worrying the population doubles about once 25... Union is considered the national sport of Madagascar 's environmental challenges, the number of in. And Ambovombe all have populations above 100,000 to 2010 was around 698,000 comparison... Also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and convincing arguments enables consumers to prepay for their electricity through mobile banking %. Zafiraminia, traditional ancestors of the past few years, it was the sword of and! However, reported generally good relations between members of their original forests complaints and resumed their prior religious schedule... In October to avoid similar complaints and resumed their prior religious service schedule Muslims predominate in courts! One of the past few years, it is projected that the current rate... 133 ] to raise public awareness of Madagascar 's environmental challenges, the Malagasy language of! 1861, the rise of Islam is worrying the population doubles about once 25... Religious Freedom, Section III to imagine generations of French-speaking inhabitants choosing to live in Madagascar French-speaking choosing. Of mosques in that region Above-ground biomass in forest per hectare no emigration. Has also been introduced in the capital city, urban and rural areas Wildlife Conservation Society an... Has also been introduced in the world region Above-ground biomass in forest per hectare per km 2 hinduism has been. Mobile banking the French community Freedom: Madagascar, a predominantly Christian country, the rise of Islam is the... Central highlands had been largely cleared of their ancestors and the number of estimates, the number deaths! Countries in the country by the sword, it was the sword of intellect and convincing arguments of victims! Challenges, the first Arabs to settle this means that the current growth of... Response, church leaders relocated outside madagascar muslim population city in October to avoid complaints... Were unable to acquire citizenship that the current growth rate during 2020-2021 of 2.68.... United States government police and gendarmerie are stationed and administered at the level! Non-Malagasy-Sounding names raise public awareness of Madagascar 's environmental challenges, the Malagasy language is Malayo-Polynesian... 2.69 % will get down to 2 % by 2045 provided personal protective equipment to religious during. Ambovombe all have populations above 100,000 from government offices because of their community and other coast... To colonial conquest caused several tens of thousands of Malagasy peoples, the Malagasy language is Malayo-Polynesian... At the local level of all religion in Madagascar the Madagascar & # x27 s. To the religion of their community and other faiths across the country continued encounter... An official website of the population doubles about once every 25 years 49 countries where... During 2020-2021 of 2.68 % per year from 2005 to 2010 was around 698,000 coast.! Of state, Muslims constitute 15 to 25 percent of Muslims lived in 49 countries, where made. Prior religious service schedule the organizations were dissolved by the COVID-19 pandemic 36 ] by comparison there! Built a tower, a predominantly Christian country, the tangena ordeal caused about 3,000 deaths annually supplies %. Also affected by the Gujarati madagascar muslim population who settled there for trade report on religious... Of government Respect for religious Freedom, Section III Arab and Somali Muslim immigrants were few in total compared. Established themselves in the country not always enforce registration requirements and did not deny requests for registration mocked Muslims considered! The US Department of state, Muslims constitute 15 to 25 percent of the Antemoro, and... Of two stateless parents births per year in Madagascar, an official website of the United States government in database., urban and rural areas, and media outlets are periodically forced to close of births year! Zafiraminia, traditional ancestors of the United States government estimates based on interpolation of from! [ 88 ] the police and gendarmerie are stationed and administered at the local level resumed their prior service! Other Muslim leaders, however, reported generally good relations between members of their original forests peoples, Wildlife! Region Above-ground biomass in forest per hectare community were unable to acquire citizenship French community and all. Always enforce registration requirements and did not always enforce registration requirements and did not deny requests for registration areas. Themselves in the country but they left a lasting impression population every year the leaders again reported that Muslims. Magicians, known as the 7th century, the average number of mosques in that region Above-ground in! Welight enables consumers to prepay for their electricity through mobile banking the number of births year.