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Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is the fourth-largest island in the world.
On October 14, 1958, Madagascar was proclaimed an autonomous state within the French community. This provisional government ended in 1959 with the adoption of a new constitution and on June 26, 1960, gained full independence.
After Madagascar gained its independence, assassinations, military coups and disputed elections followed.
In a military coup in 1975, Didier Ratsiraka took power and ruled until 2001, except for a short period of time when he was ousted in the early 1990’s. In the presidential elections in December, 2001, both Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana claimed victory. Eight months later, following violence and economic disruption, a recount was held and Ravalomanana was declared president.
In January 2009, a power struggle began between Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina, former mayor of the capital, Antananarivo. On March 17, 2009 Ravalomanana resigned and assigned his powers to a military council loyal to him. The military supported Rajoelina and called Ravalomanana’s move a ploy.
The European Union, along with other international entities, refuses to recognize the new government.
Two-thirds of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. In 2000, Madagascar embarked on a poverty reduction strategy. Its sources of growth are light manufacturing, tourism and textile. It is the world’s leading producer and exporter of vanilla. The tourism marketing focuses on the eco-tourism with its biodiversity, natural habitats and lemurs.
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- Official Name Republic of Madagascar
- Population 19,110,941
- Capital City Antananarivo (pop. 1,403,449)
- Currency Malagasy Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages French (official), Malagasy (official)
- Religions Traditional beliefs, Christian, Muslim
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- Land Area 581,540 sq km (224,533 sq miles)
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Fronted by reefs, the low-lying coastal areas of South Africa's land rises (with a few exceptions) into a mostly level plateau, one criss-crossed by hills, mountains and shallow valleys in the east and northeast.
The Drakensberg (or Dragon Mountains) are the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to over 11,000 ft) in height.
Arguably, South Africa's most famous landform is Table Mountain, a flat-topped peak forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town.
(see photos on this page)
South Africa's Kalahari Desert is part of a huge sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola, in the west to Namibia and east to Zimbabwe.
The Orange River, South Africa's major river, rises in the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho, where it is known as the Senqu. It twists and turns westward for some 2,200km (1,367 mi) to the Atlantic Ocean. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 17° 21' 0 S, 49° 7' 60 E
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Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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The coolest months in Madagascar are July-October (winter-spring).
The rainy season is November-April when it generally rains only at night or in the morning.
The climate varies by region: Coastal areas are warm, humid and tropical, while the south is almost always dry. From late January through March, the eastern edge of the country is subject to cyclones and lots of rain.
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An inquisitive lemur... (a worldatlas.com photo)...
Hillside houses in the city of Antananarivo...
A beach scene, Madagascar... |
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