[2] Despite the production of exportable crops the people inhabiting the rural regions of the province were mostly poor.

In urban areas the condition was comparatively better and the percentage of people living below the poverty line was the least in the whole of Madagascar.

[4] In 2002 a state of emergency was declared by the then president Didier Ratsiraka after his rival Marc Ravalomanana announced that he had won the majority in the presidential elections held in December 2001.

Political tension prompted ethnic clashes and in the coastal provinces the Merina people were subject to attacks.

[10] Toliara Province was divided into three regions of Madagascar - Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana.