The Madagascar flag was adopted on Oct. 16, 1958, by the newly proclaimed Malagasy Republic, formerly a French colony. The flag combines the traditional Malagasy colors of white and red with a stripe of green. The white and red are said to stand for purity and sovereignty, while the green represents the coastal regions and symbolizes hope.

Madagascar Official name: Repoblikan`i Madagasikara (Malagasy); République de Madagascar (French) (Republic of Madagascar). Form of government: federal multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [150]). Heads of state and government: President assisted by Prime Minister. Population (1998): 14,463,000. Population projection: (2000) 15,295,000; (2010) 20,096,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 28.2 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$3,428,000,000 (U.S.$250 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 39.9%; pasture 41.3%; agriculture 5.3%; other 13.5%.

© 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated