In the drier interior, grass has replaced most trees. But the region still has several varieties of baobab trees, which store water in their thick, bulging trunks. Wildlife preserves help protect some wild animals and plants. Madagascar has a developing economy. About three-fourths of the people are farmers and herders.
Rice is their chief food crop.
Bananas, cassava, and sweet potatoes are also grown. Cattle are the country's most important livestock. Coffee is the chief export. Madagascar is the world's greatest producer of natural vanilla and cloves. Other exports include sugar and sisal, which is used to make binding twine.