Home  About Madagascar   Maps   People   History   FAQs   Environment  Flora  Wildlife   Birds   Fish   Frogs   Invertebrates   Lemurs   Mammals   Reptiles  Places   Antananarivo  Conservation   ANGAP   Parks   Guides   News  Photos  Media resources  Forum / Discuss  Store  Madagascar Travel  About the site  How to help  Books  Links  Contact MADAGASCAR History of Madagascar Excerpted from the CIA World Factbook Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. More Background on Madagascar: Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues Copyright Rhett Butler 2003