Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean, 250 miles off the south-eastern coast of Africa, across the Mozambique Channel on the southern part of the equator; over 1580 km long and 570 km wide.
It is considered part of the African continent, although it is many miles distant from the rest of the continent. Madagascar formed about 88 million years ago when it erupted from India. It is considered the fourth largest island in the world. The most striking feature would have to be the steep mountain range that runs parallel to the entire east coast.
Population, population and language of Madagascar
Although Madagascar does not rank in the top 20, it is the country’s largest country in Africa and the 16th most populous country on the continent. According to data published in 2016, Madagascar has a population of 25 million. Already in the 1900s, the country had only 2.2 million inhabitants. Every year the population grows by about 2.9%.
Most of the people of Madagascar, as suggested by their appearance, are said to have migrated to the area from Indonesia and Malaya. The first settlement of Madagascar by humans took place between 350 BC and 350 BC. and 550 AD by Austronesians from Borneo. Around AD 1000, they were joined by Bantu migrants who crossed the Mozambique Channel from East Africa. Malagasy is the ethnic group that makes up almost the entire population of Madagascar and is divided into eighteen sub-ethnic groups. They are of mixed Malay-Indonesian and African-Arabic descent.
Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar.
Madagascar is where travelers looking for exotic wildlife in a remote tropical environment should keep in mind that over 90 percent of wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. However, the island’s diverse ecosystem and unique wildlife are currently under threat from the intrusion of the rapidly growing human population and other adverse environmental factors.
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As you might expect, you’ll find great hiking (and mountain biking), white-sand beaches (though sharks can be a problem), and classic coral reefs for divers. The island has several street markets, botanical gardens, a zoo and a museum. There’s even a resort island (Nosy Be) with restaurants and nightclubs, but that probably won’t bring you here.
What will attract you is an interest in Malagasy culture (the music has reached the top of the world) and a desire to walk into the rainforest on a misty dawn to hear the eerie howling calls of indigenous troops. The main languages of the country are Malagasy and French, which are the country’s official languages.
religion
The religious practice on the island is rather very interesting. This is mainly as if in other parts of the world Christianity and Islam are dominant, but here it is completely different. Up to 50% of the people in the country are still interested in honoring Zanahary and his family fathers. As in most other religions, the connection is between the living and the dead.
The second largest religion in the country is the Protestant Christians, which make up 25% of the population. Catholics and other orthodox religions follow, occupying 16%. Islam in the country consists of 7% while others make up 2%.
Madagascar flag and capital city
It was in 1958 that the current flag of the country was chosen to replace that of the French. The flag has two colors; red and green, representing the country’s independence from the colonialists and representing their traditions. There is also a white band that represents purity.
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo, which also doubles as the largest city on the island. Also known as Tananarive, this city has been the country’s capital since its inception as a kingdom. It was founded between 1610 and 1625. More than 1.6 million people live in the capital.
6 things to know about Madagascar
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- Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo.
- Although considered part of Africa, the island is far from all others.
- Most of the island’s wildlife cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
- In earlier times, Madagascar was ruled by women. The last sovereign ruler was Queen Ranavalona III before the kingdom was taken over by the French.
- The island country used to be a part of India before later breaking apart.
- Despite its rich culture and rare sights, Madagascar is not one of the happiest countries in the world.