Madagascar

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country in the Indian Ocean that includes the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. It is the world's fourth-largest island, the second-largest island country, and the 46th-largest country overall. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

Madagascar split from Africa around 180 million years ago during the Early Jurassic period, and from the Indian subcontinent about 90 million years ago. This long isolation allowed unique plants and animals to evolve, making Madagascar a biodiversity hotspot and one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, with over 90% of its wildlife being endemic.

The island was first permanently settled by Austronesian peoples from present-day Indonesia around 500 to 700 CE, later joined by Bantu groups from East Africa. Madagascar was united under the Kingdom of Madagascar in the early 19th century before becoming a French colony in 1897 and gaining independence in 1960.

Today, Madagascar is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community. Despite economic growth, it remains a least-developed country, with ecotourism and agriculture playing important roles in its development.

Etymology

In the Malagasy language, the island of Madagascar is called Madagasikara and its people are called Malagasy. The origin of the name is uncertain and likely came from outside the island, spreading during the Middle Ages by Europeans.

One idea is that the name comes from the word Malay, linked to the Austronesian roots of the Malagasy people in modern-day Indonesia. An old map from 1154 named the island Gesira Malai, meaning "Malay island" in Arabic. Over time, this name changed and evolved into the modern name of Madagascar. Another idea suggests that Madagascar may come from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, possibly due to a mix-up by the traveler Marco Polo.

History

Main article: History of Madagascar

Madagascar has a rich and complex history. Early settlers arrived from places like South Borneo between 350 BCE and 550 CE, making it one of the last major landmasses to be inhabited by humans. These early people encountered many large animals, including giant lemurs and elephant birds, which later went extinct.

Over time, different groups settled in Madagascar, forming various kingdoms. Arab traders brought Islam and new writing systems to the island between the 7th and 9th centuries. By around the year 1000, more people from Africa arrived, bringing cattle and new ways of life.

In the 1800s, a leader named Radama I expanded his rule across much of the island and made treaties with other countries. Later, Queen Ranavalona I led Madagascar and built up a strong army, though her strict rules caused many people to suffer.

In 1883, France began fighting to control Madagascar, and by 1896, they had taken over the island. Many Malagasy people resisted this rule, but France stayed in control for many years. During World War II, Madagascar was involved in battles between different groups.

Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960. Since then, the country has gone through several changes in government and faced economic challenges. Leaders have come and gone, and the country continues to work toward stability and growth today.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Madagascar and Geology of Madagascar

Madagascar is a large island country in the Indian Ocean, southeast of Africa. It is the world's fourth-largest island and the second-largest island country. The island stretches between latitudes 12°S and 26°S and longitudes 43°E and 51°E. Nearby islands include Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, and Mayotte. The closest mainland country is Mozambique.

Long ago, Madagascar separated from other landmasses, allowing its plants and animals to develop uniquely. The island's landscape includes a central plateau with highlands, surrounded by lower, drier areas. The highest point is Maromokotro in the Tsaratanana Massif, reaching nearly 3,000 meters.

Climate

The weather in Madagascar changes with the seasons. From November to April, southeastern winds bring rain and sometimes strong cyclones. From May to October, the weather is cooler and drier. The east coast gets the most rain, while the west is drier.

Biodiversity and conservation

Main articles: Wildlife of Madagascar, Flora of Madagascar, Fauna of Madagascar, Agriculture in Madagascar, Ecoregions of Madagascar, List of World Heritage Sites in Madagascar, Deforestation in Madagascar, and Illegal logging in Madagascar

Madagascar is famous for its unique plants and animals, many found nowhere else on Earth. About 90% of its species are endemic. The island has many types of forests, from rainforests to dry and spiny forests. Lemurs, a type of primate, are well-known animals that live only here.

Human activities have threatened Madagascar's forests and wildlife. Most of the original forest has been lost, mainly due to farming practices. Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining natural areas and wildlife.

Government

Main articles: Government of Madagascar and Cabinet of Madagascar

Madagascar is a semi-presidential representative democratic multi-party republic. The president, who is elected by the people, is the head of state and chooses a prime minister to help run the government. The president and members of the National Assembly serve five-year terms.

The country's regions are managed by governors and regional councils. The judicial system is based on the French model, including courts like a supreme court and court of appeals. Antananarivo is the capital and largest city, founded in the 1600s and remaining the country's main city since then.

Main articles: Politics of Madagascar, Foreign relations of Madagascar, and Human rights in Madagascar

Madagascar has experienced political changes since gaining independence from France in 1960, including protests, elections, and changes in leadership. The country is part of international groups like the African Union and has agreements with countries such as the United States military. Human rights are protected by law, though some issues like corruption and restrictions on public gatherings have occurred.

Madagascar's military began with early kingdoms and grew under French rule. After independence in 1960, the military has stayed mostly neutral during political issues but has sometimes helped keep order. The police and other security forces work locally, and traditional community courts help with justice in rural areas.

Main articles: Regions of Madagascar and Districts of Madagascar

Madagascar is divided into 23 regions, which are split into smaller districts and communes.

Madagascar became a member state of the United Nations in 1960. The UN has helped with food programs and other projects in Madagascar. In 2017, Madagascar signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Madagascar and Tourism in Madagascar

Madagascar's economy has faced many challenges, with a large part of the population living in poverty. In 2015, the country's GDP was about US$9.98 billion, and many people earned less than one dollar a day. Despite these difficulties, the economy has shown some growth, especially in areas like tourism, agriculture, and mining.

Tourism plays a special role in Madagascar's economy, focusing on eco-tourism and the island's unique wildlife and natural beauty. The number of visitors has grown over the years, helping to support local communities. Madagascar is also known for its valuable natural resources, including vanilla, which the country supplies more of than any other place in the world. Other important resources include minerals like nickel and sapphire, as well as fisheries and forestry products.

Natural resources and trade

Madagascar's natural resources include many valuable agricultural and mineral products. Key exports include vanilla, nickel metal, cloves, and cobalt. The country is the world's largest supplier of vanilla and cloves and provides much of the world's natural vanilla. Other important agricultural products are coffee, lychees, and shrimp. Madagascar also has large reserves of minerals such as ilmenite, chromite, and sapphires.

Infrastructure and media

Main articles: Transport in Madagascar, Telecommunications in Madagascar, and List of newspapers in Madagascar

Madagascar's infrastructure includes roads, railways, and ports, but many areas, especially rural ones, lack good transportation links. The country has several rail lines and important seaports, with plans to improve roads and ports to better connect different regions.

Communication services like radio and mobile phones are available, but access can be limited in rural areas. The media landscape includes both state and private broadcasters, though there have been concerns about pressures on media to avoid criticizing the government. Internet access has been growing, with more people getting online through mobile phones.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Madagascar and List of cities in Madagascar

Madagascar has only had two general censuses, in 1975 and 1993. The most crowded parts of the island are the Eastern Highlands and the Eastern Coast, while the Western Plains are much emptier. Agriculture has greatly shaped where people live.

In 2024, Madagascar's population was about 32 million, up from just 2.2 million in 1900. The population grows by about 2.4% each year. About 39% of people are younger than 15, 57% are between 15 and 64, and 3% are 65 or older.

Ethnic groups

Main article: Demographics of Madagascar § Ethnicity

The Malagasy people make up over 90% of Madagascar's population and are divided into 18 groups. Recent DNA studies show that Malagasy people have about equal amounts of Southeast Asian and East African genes. Some groups have more Southeast Asian genes, while others have more East African genes.

The largest group is the Merina from the Central Highlands, making up about 26% of the population. Other big groups include the Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, and Sakalava. There are also smaller groups of Chinese, Indian, Comoran, and European people.

Languages

Main articles: Malagasy language and Languages of Madagascar

Madagascar has three official languages: Malagasy, French, and English. But since 2010, only Malagasy and French are official. Malagasy is spoken by most people and comes from Southeast Asia. French is used in schools and government.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Madagascar

Most people in Madagascar practice Christianity, though many also follow traditional beliefs that honor ancestors. Some people practice Islam or other religions. Ancestor respect leads to special traditions like building tombs and celebrating the memories of loved ones.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Madagascar

Healthcare in Madagascar is not easy for everyone to access, especially in rural areas. There are hospitals and clinics, but many people still use traditional healers. Diseases like malaria and plague are sometimes problems. The government is working to improve healthcare.

Education

Main article: Education in Madagascar

Education in Madagascar has improved over time. Schools were first started by missionaries in the 1800s. Today, there are many primary and secondary schools, and three main universities. The government has worked to make sure every child can go to school, though there are still challenges to overcome.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Madagascar

Madagascar's culture is rich and varied, shaped by many different groups of people who live on the island. All these groups share some common ideas and practices, creating a strong feeling of being Malagasy. Important values include family ties, respect for ancestors, and a belief in destiny and good luck. Traditional Malagasy culture also includes special ceremonies, strong family bonds, and a belief in the power of magic and wise people who can predict the future.

The island's culture shows influences from many places. Music, for example, includes the valiha, a special instrument made from bamboo. Houses often have a pointed roof and a central pillar, similar to houses from Borneo. Traditional clothes, called lamba, are made from woven silk. Food in Madagascar often includes rice served with vegetables or meat, showing both Southeast Asian and African influences.

Arts

Main article: Music of Madagascar

Madagascar has many kinds of music and art. Storytelling, poetry, and proverbs are important, and there are famous poems that have been passed down for years. Music comes in many styles, from coastal sounds to highland tunes, and there are also orchestras and music schools for young people.

Artists make beautiful things from silk, raffia, and wood. They carve wood into decorations and make furniture, and some of their work is shown in galleries. There are also artists who work with textiles and paint pictures.

Sport and recreational activities

Madagascar has many traditional games and sports. Moraingy is a kind of fighting sport, and savika is wrestling between zebu cattle. Another popular game is fanorona, a board game played in many places.

Today, people also enjoy sports like rugby, soccer, and basketball. Madagascar has sent players to the Olympic Games and has hosted big basketball events. There are also school sports programs with many different activities.

Cuisine

Main article: Malagasy cuisine

Food in Madagascar comes from many different cultures, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. Most meals start with rice, served with a variety of dishes called laoka. These dishes can be vegetarian or include meat and are flavored with spices like ginger, onion, and curry powder. In some dry areas, people might eat maize, cassava, or fermented milk instead of rice. There are also many sweet and savory fritters, fruits, and drinks like coffee, tea, and beer. One popular beer is called Three Horses Beer.