Madagascar
June 25th

“For God so loved Madagascar that he gave his one and only Son!”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 28.81 million
Area | 587,041㎢, The world’s fourth largest island, located southeast of the African continent.
Capital City | Antananarivo (3.87 million people)
People Groups | Total40 groups, major ethnicities include Merina (26%), Betsimisaraka (15%), Betsileo (12%), Tsimihety (7%), Sakalava (6%), Antaisaka (5%), Antandroy (5%), and others (24%).
Unreached People Groups | 11 groups (1.6% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Malagasy, French
Total Languages | 26
Bible Translations | Completed 7, New Testament 2, Partial 14
Religion | Christianity 49.7% (Protestant 21%, Catholic 22%), Ethnic religion 42.5%, Islam 7% Evangelical 6.1% (1.75 million people)

》 About Madagascar

Throughout the 19th century, Madagascar was ruled by the Merina people, but following the British occupation in 1811, the island became a battleground between Britain and France. In 1896, Madagascar became a French colony. It was part of the French Malagasy Republic in 1957 before gaining independence in 1960. A coup d’état in 1972 led to the establishment of a socialist government, and in 1975, Didier Ratsiraka came to power through another coup, renaming the country the Democratic Republic of Madagascar. By 1991, economic deterioration fueled demands for democratization, leading to a constitutional change in 1992, restoring the Republic of Madagascar. Ratsiraka was re-elected in 1993 and introduced a free-market economic system, but was ousted in 2002 after massive protests and military confrontations over election fraud. Years of political turmoil, conflict, and instability followed until Andry Rajoelina was elected president in 2018. He was re-elected in December 2023 and is currently serving his second term.

Madagascar’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with major exports including vanilla, rice, and coffee. The country produces 80% of the world’s vanilla, making it the leading global producer. Madagascar is also renowned for its gemstones, supplying nearly half of the world’s sapphires.
Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with 70% of the population living below the poverty line. In recent years, efforts to develop mining and ecotourism have contributed to gradual economic recovery. The country is rich in natural resources, including titanium (7th largest reserves in the world), cobalt (9th), and nickel (12th), as well as offshore oil fields. With its stunning natural landscapes, vast tropical coastlines, and unique biodiversity, Madagascar is home to extraordinary species such as the tiger-tailed lemur and the iconic baobab tree. However, due to lack of infrastructure, tourism contributes only about 16% of GDP, limiting its economic potential.
Madagascar’s GDP per capita is approximately $550.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Christianity in Madagascar experienced several major revivals in the 20th century, which led to the rise of large churches and revival movements. Because the Malagasy people have been deeply influenced by spiritualism, many came to faith and began attending church through healing and deliverance ministries. However, 90% of Christians in Madagascar still blend Christianity with strong traditional beliefs, including ancestor worship and magic. As a result, churches belonging to mainstream denominations have become spiritually stagnant, causing a gradual decline in church membership. The government and traditional denominations are hostile toward charismatic churches, causing significant division within the Christian community. Disputes among church leaders have led to frequent denominational splits, and many churches attract poor believers with promises of prosperity. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken the church in Madagascar to recognize their lack of faith, leading many to earnestly seek the Lord. Let us pray that nominal believers will truly understand and embrace the gospel, be born again, and become devoted disciples of Christ. Additionally, let us pray that pastors and church leaders will acknowledge and repent of falsehood, worldly values, jealousy, and division, and be established as holy vessels for the revival of God’s kingdom.

2. There is a significant shortage of overseas missionaries in Madagascar—especially long-term workers who can learn the language and culture and share the gospel with love. Many missionaries have partnered with local organizations to serve through development aid, job training, education, and healthcare in response to persistent poverty. There is also a great need for discipleship training and Bible education for both church leaders and laypeople. In the far north and south of the island, the least evangelized people groups live under strong influences of animism and Islam. Many rely on shamans and magic for healing, suffer spiritual oppression, and are located in regions that are difficult to access. Let us pray for Bible translation efforts, Christian literature, and audio Bibles to be made available quickly in more local languages. Let us also pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will be spread rapidly to these unreached peoples through missionaries and churches—so that they may be saved by faith, not face judgment.

3. Over 58% of Madagascar’s population is under the age of 24—this next generation is the hope for the future. Ministries such as Youth With A Mission (YWAM), International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), Scripture Union (SU), and Youth for Christ (YFC) are serving thousands of young people through small groups, camps, and other programs. Let us pray that the leaders, laypeople, and next generation in Madagascar would be born again through faith in the gospel—that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. May evangelism and missions be revived in every church, bearing new life through the life of Christ.

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