Madagascar
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Madagascar's forests are a shimmering mass of a billion stems and dripping leaves and slithering, jumping, quirky creatures out of nature's bag of tricks: lemurs, periwinkles and baobabs, aloes, geckoes, sifakas and octopus trees.
Madagascar Facts & FiguresSituated off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is separated from the coast of Africa by the Mozambique Channel, and the shortest distance between the island and the mainland is 250 miles.
Madagascar consists mainly of a block of crystalline rocks. It is generally described as a plateau, rising sharply from the narrow plain of the east coast and descending in a series of steps to the strip of sedimentary rocks along the west coast. The high plateau is cut by deep gorges and waterfalls. There are numerous volcanic outcrops that produce heights over 6,000 feet, and two former volcanic areas, Ankaratra and Andringingtra, which are over 8,500 feet.
The eastern coast has very few anchorages. Behind its coral beaches there is an almost continuous line of lagoons, from Foulpointe to Farafrandana. These are linked by man-made channels which form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal.
about Madagascar
Attractions
Madagascar's forests are a shimmering mass of a billion stems and dripping leaves and slithering, jumping, quirky creatures out of nature's bag of tricks: lemurs, periwinkles and baobabs, aloes, geckoes, sifakas and octopus trees.
 Antananarivo |
Antananarivo 'Tana' is like many other African capitals: crowded, polluted and noisy, but it does have some parts worth exploring. Southwest of Analakely is where the post office, banks, restaurants and nightclubs are. Uphill from there you can find the ruins of Rova, the former Queen's palace. The hub of the lower town is Araben ny Fahaleovantena, bookended by the railway station and the Hôtel Le Glacier. This district is known as Analakely and is packed with permanent street markets, as swarms of off-white umbrellas, perched precariously on old tyre rims shade the vendors. |
 Lemur |
Parc National de Ranomafana Parc National de Ranomafana is 102,549 acres of lush rainforest, riddled with small streams that plummet into the Namorona River, and teeming with twelve lemur species, including red-bellied lemurs and broad-nosed gentle lemurs. The park entrance and Angap office are at Ambodiamontana village. Permits are compulsory and are available at the Angap office. Guided walks range from two to four hours, try a nocturnal walk for the chance to spot the fanaloka, or Malagasy civet, and the dainty brown mouse lemur.. |
 Baobab Tree |
Mahajanga One of Madagascar’s extraordinary natural wonders (Limestone Karst) can also be seen in this region. Although limestone karst is not unique to Madagascar, it is rare to see such dramatic forms of it - an impenetrable forest of spikes and spires. Here, you can almost guarantee seeing all the special endemics to western Madagascar’s hot, wide lowlands. White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel’s, Crested and Red-capped coua’s, Schlegels’ Asity and Van Dam’s Vanga. Broad paths lead into gentle terrain, and it is also the best place to see the spectacular Madagascar Crested Ibis, White-throated Rail and a host of raptors (in particular Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, Madagascar and Frances’s sparrow hawks and Banded Kestrel). The star attraction, however, is the endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, now down to about 100 pairs. In the woods, you will also see Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher and various vangas, Madagascar Magpie Robin, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and Sakalava Weaver. |
 Antsiranana |
Antsiranana The northern part of Madagascar has plenty to offer for nature lovers and those seeking a beach holiday. Nose Be is Madagascar's most well known island offering sea, sun and sand. Nosy Tankily is a marine reserve and great for snorkelling and diving. Nosy Komba is the unofficial 'sanctuary' for the endangered black lemurs. Montagne D’Ambre Reserve is one of the most popular hiking trails on the Island. Some of Madagascar’s most magnificent limestone environments can be found in the Ankarana Special Reserve. |
Accommodations
Madagascar offers a wide range of accommodations.
 Vakona Lodge |
Vakona Lodge Vakona Lodge is situated in central Madagascar. It is an impressive property situated in the heart of the Andasibe (Perinet) Forest. The 24 bungalows all have their own bathroom, and there is a swimming pool, central bar and dining area. |
 Feon' Ne Ala |
Feon' Ne Ala Feon' Ny Ala is a quaint Chinese owned hotel situated at the edge of Perinet Reserve. A-framed bungalows with individual bathrooms. Good value and a perfect choice for serious nature lovers due to the fact that it is a great starting point for night walks which are very popular. |
 L'Heure Bleve Hotel |
L'Heure Bleve Hotel Wooden bungalows built on a cliff overlooking the famous Madirokely/Ambataloaka Bay. Comfortable bungalows with arty design, each with their own little veranda. The hotel offers lush tropical gardens with a restaurant on a wooden deck, swimming pool and massage area. Ideal for couples, divers and honeymooners. |
Madagascar at a Glance
 Business |
Economy Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with an average per capita income of $270 per person in 2002. As in colonial times, the economy remains predominantly agricultural, with 77 percent of the labor force engaged in agricultural activities. Many operations controlled by French interests were nationalized in 1975. During the 1980s the agricultural sector was affected by frequent cyclones and depressed prices for the country’s primary exports, and in the early 1990s strikes and political instability associated with a change in government limited economic growth. |
 Education |
Education Education is compulsory for five years in Madagascar. In 2000 the adult literacy rate had reached 66.5 percent, one of the highest rates in Africa. Virtually all elementary school-aged children were enrolled in school in 2000–2001, and 14 percent of those between the ages of 12 and 17 were enrolled in secondary school. |
 Geography |
Geography A central mountainous plateau dominates the island of Madagascar. Partly volcanic in origin, the uplands rise to 9,436 feet atop Maromokotro in the north. The massive Ankaratra Mountains, near the city of Antananarivo, attain an elevation of 8,671 feet. The land slopes steeply to a narrow lowland bordering the Indian Ocean in the east and to a somewhat wider coastal plain along the Mozambique Channel in the west. The country’s best soil is found along the coast and in river valleys of the central plateau. The major rivers of Madagascar all rise in the uplands near the eastern coast and flow west to the Mozambique Channel through fertile valleys. By contrast, rivers flowing to the Indian Ocean are short and swift, frequently plunging from the uplands in waterfalls. |
 President |
Government In 1993 Madagascar replaced its single-party socialist system with a multiparty democracy under terms of a new constitution adopted the year before. According to this constitution, the head of state is the president, elected by the voters to a five-year term. A bicameral (two-chamber) legislature is comprised of a 160-member National Assembly, directly elected to four-year terms, and a 90-member Senate, two-thirds of which is selected by an electoral college and one-third appointed by the president, all to four-year terms. Executive power is vested in a prime minister. |
 Urban Growth |
Environment Madagascar’s growing population has put increased pressures on the environment. The timber industry is not a threat to the island’s forests, but slash-and-burn agriculture and reliance on fuelwood for energy are causing large losses to forest cover. Inadequate sewage disposal, as well as soil erosion caused by deforestation, has led to surface water pollution. In rural areas, only 30 percent of the people have access to safe water. However, the country has a long history of conservation. Efforts are underway to increase wood supplies by reforesting eroded upland areas. |
People of Madagascar
Major ethnic groups in the interior are the Merina (Hova), who make up about 27 percent of the total population, and the related Betsileo (12 percent). Members of both groups are descended primarily from people who emigrated from Indonesia. Coastal areas are inhabited mainly by peoples of mixed Malayo-Indonesian, black African, and Arab ancestry; among these ethnic groups are the Betsimisaraka (15 percent), Tsimihety (7 percent), Sakalava (6 percent), and Antaisaka (5 percent).
 Language |
Language and Religion The two official languages of Madagascar are the Merina dialect of Malagasy, a language of Malayo-Indonesian origin, and French. Approximately 48 percent of the population follows traditional beliefs, 49 percent is Christian, and 2 percent is Muslim. |
 Cultural Institutions |
Cultural Institutions Leading libraries with collections of Malagasy history, literature, culture, and arts are the National Library and the libraries of the university and of the Académie Malgache, all in Antananarivo. The Historical Museum and the university’s Museum of Art and Archaeology, both in Antananarivo, are the chief museums. |
 History |
History The people of Madagascar are believed to be descended from Indonesians and Africans who reached the island in ancient times. Diogo Dias, a Portuguese sea captain bound for India in 1500, was the first European to sight the island. During the 17th century the Portuguese, the English, and the French successively and unsuccessfully attempted to colonize Madagascar. |
Wildlife Habitats
Tropical rain forests containing valuable hardwoods are common in eastern Madagascar. Savanna woodland and grasslands predominate in the drier western regions, and desert vegetation occurs in the extreme southwest. Animal life is unusual. Lemurs, a primitive family of primate, are found chiefly in Madagascar. Although native species exhibit characteristics of both African and Indian animal life, their differences indicate they evolved on Madagascar during a long period of isolation.
 Green Turtle |
Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands This habitat features diversity of large mammal populations that make up the well-known savanna fauna. Much of the region remains sparsely settled and the resulting human population pressures are minimal. |
 Flooded Plains |
Montane Grasslands and Shrublands This habitat supports a rich array of plants and animals, including some species that are restricted to a single mountain. The ecoregion supports large numbers of endemic grassland plants. |
Wildlife Sightings
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