Madagascar is truly a unique place going to seed rather rapidly. It is teetering on the edge of being labeled a failed state. First of all it's unique population priimarily of Malayo-Polynesian. Two of them the Merina and Betsielo form the elite and the most progressive. Post colonization by the French, the country has adopted a Christian Marxist form of Govt. and since then things have started going downhill rather rapidly.

Two immediate dangers face this country, one is runaway population growth and the next is rapid de-forestation due to slash and burn cultivation. It seems that the Malagasays have to be saved from themselves. The wealthiest strata apparently are not the natives but Chinese and Indian Immigrants who form the backbone of the trading and money lending community. Though the country abounds in tourist destinations (fast disappearing), it is not designed for tourists. The roads are horrible, food unpalatable and tourist facilities non-existent even in large towns. The railway system itself is barely functional.

Madagascar is truly a unique place going to seed rather rapidly. It is teetering on the edge of being labeled a failed state. First of all it's unique population priimarily of Malayo-Polynesian. Two of them the Merina and Betsielo form the elite and the most progressive. Post colonization by the French, the country has adopted a Christian Marxist form of Govt. and since then things have started going downhill rather rapidly.

Two immediate dangers face this country, one is runaway population growth and the next is rapid de-forestation due to slash and burn cultivation. It seems that the Malagasays have to be saved from themselves. The wealthiest strata apparently are not the natives but Chinese and Indian Immigrants who form the backbone of the trading and money lending community. Though the country abounds in tourist destinations (fast disappearing), it is not designed for tourists. The roads are horrible, food unpalatable and tourist facilities non-existent even in large towns. The railway system itself is barely functional.