Madagascar

History of Madagascar

The first human settlement in Madagascar dates backs between 200 & 500 A.D. earlier it was independent kingdom, but 1896 it was colonized by France. The country became independent again in 1960.  The national assembly and the free presidential elections were held in the country during 1992 to 1993 and 17 years old single party rule came to an end.

Madagascar Previous Records and Medal

Though Madagascar has participated in Olympics in many times, but unfortunately could not win any of medals till now.

Madagascar Demography

The population of Madagascar is mainly mixed with the Austronesian and the African origin. According to the latest DNA research, people of Madagascar are fifty percent of Austronesan and fifty percent East African. In some part of the country there is Indian, European and Arab influence.

The main spoken language of Madagascar is Malagasy that has been originated from Malayo-Polynesian. French is also spoken in the nation, but only the well-educated people speak French. English is also getting popularized in the country.

The 50% of the population of the country exercises the traditional religion in the nation

Madagascar Government and Politics

The country is semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The government of the country is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is also the head of pluriform, the multi-party system.  The Judiciary of the country is independent form the legislature and the executive.

Madagascar Culture

The culture of Madagascar reveals in its old and traditional music. The music of the country is divided into 3 categories- popular, contemporary and traditional music. Traditional instruments used in the folk music of Madagascar are:

• Valiha
• Sodina
• Kabosy
• Marovany

Literature has great value in the cultural and the social life of the country and it has produced some many famous writers and some of these are:

• Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo
• Elie Rajaonarison
• Flaveien Ranaivo
• Charlotte Arisoa Rakotoson
• Michele Rakotoson.

Madagascar Education

The students, age between 6 years and 13 years, get free education from the government ofMadagascar. Up to 13 years, the education is compulsory in the country. In spite of all, the illiteracy rate in the nation is considerable. According to estimate of 2000, the literacy rate was 33% including 40 % female and 26 % male.

The University of Madagascar is the central university in the country that was established in the year 1961. The university is main centre to get higher education and it has also the campuses at Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toliara, Toamasina and Antsiranana.

Madagascar Economy and Infrastructure

The mainstay of Madagascar’s economy is agriculture that also includes forestry and fishing. The major exports of the nation are:

• Coffee
• Vanilla
• Sugarcane
• Cloves
• Cocoa
• Rice
• Cassava
• Beans
• Bananas
• Peanuts
• Livestock Products

During 1991-96, the country achieved an excellent growth in economy and accelerated the foreign investment.

Madagascar Geographical setting

By covering the area of 587,041 km², Madagascar is counted as 46th biggest nation in the world and the fourth biggest island. The country is slightly bigger than France. The eastern part of the country includes rain forests. Canal des Pangalanes is the series of man made as well as natural lakes  and it is connected with canals running parallel to east coast around 460 km.

The highest peak of the island is Maromakotro and its height is estimated as 2,876. The peak is found in Tsaratanana Massif. As far as the climate is concerned, the climate of the country is served by two seasons- the rainy season that starts in November and ends in April, cool and dry season that starts in May and ends in October.

Madagascar Freedom

Madagascar was under the occupation of France from 1896 to 1960. In the year 1960 country got independence from France.

Madagascar Great Persons

• Sacha Baron Cohen, a comedian actor
• Ben Stiller, a filmmaker as well as actor

Madagascar Capital city

The capital city of Madagascar is Antananarivo. The city is located at the highlands of theMadagascar. The city is one of the famous tourist attractions in the country that’s main charm reflects in its rambling streets.

Madagascar Total Population

The United Nation estimated the total population of the country in the year 2003 that was 17,404,000. The country stands at 56th position in the world in terms of population.