The Sovereign Republic of Madagascar has become an international powerhouse. In 2012 substantial deposits of rare earth minerals were discovered in Mahajanga Province, leading to a significant increase in the nation's wealth. The United States under the Mitchell Administration attempted to seize control of the region using their military assets in play during the Second American Civil War, but were repelled by the rebuilt People's Army of Madagascar. In the six years that have passed since, Madagascar has become a thriving and prosperous nation on par with international hot-spots like Dubai. Rapid urbanization of Anantanarivo has led to some outcry from environmentalists, for fear of further desertification of the island nation. However, the Malagasy government is very carefully observing climate changes in their region and utilizing a high-percentage SLC-Expressive workforce to maintain ecological balance.
With the collapse of the US and manufacturing opportunities on the rise, major US manufacturing entities moved operations to Madagascar, including Boeing and Raytheon. Some former silicon valley tech firms likewise moved to Madagascar, beginning an enormous technological rise in the country. Madagascar is now one of the world's leading nations in robotic and cybernetic research.