Madagascar was probably first populated by Malays from southeastern Asia. Africans and Arabs arrived later, settling mainly along the coasts. About 1500, Portuguese explorers discovered Madagascar. Dutch, English, and French traders followed.
Meanwhile, several native kingdoms appeared. The kingdom of the Merina, a group largely of Malay origin, in the central highlands, became dominant in the early 19th century. In 1885 the French forced the Merina to accept a protectorate and in 1896 they made Madagascar a colony, abolishing the Merina monarchy.
In 1958 the country became the Malagasy Republic, a self-governing member of the French Community. Full independence was achieved in 1960. The government of the first president, Philibert Tsiranana, was democratic. French influence on the government and economy, however, remained strong until 1972, when Tsiranana was forced from office by leftist military leaders. They nationalized some business firms and in 1975 imposed a constitution mandating one-party rule. The country's name was changed back to Madagascar. Under Didier Ratsiraka, who became president in 1975, the economy was largely socialized. During the next decade Madagascar experienced deteriorating economic conditions, and in the 1980's Ratsiraka largely abandoned socialism. In 1992, a democratic constitution was adopted and in an election the next year Ratsiraka lost the presidency to Albert Zafy. In 1996 Zafy was impeached and he resigned. A new constitution was adopted in 1998.
