Madagascar
– an introduction to the island and its people

Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. Measuring 1600 km north-south and 600 km east-west, it lies in the Indian Ocean, 500 km off the south-east coast of Africa . It is an island of spectacular beauty and ecology, an estimated three-quarters of which is unique.

Madagascar's topography and geography are very varied. Essentially, the island comprises a central highland region which runs north-south down its spine, flanked by two coastal strips which meet the Mozambique Channel on the western seaboard and the Indian Ocean on the eastern. The highlands rise up to over 2800 metres (9100 feet). The coasts possess beautiful beaches largely unsullied by major tourist developments. Between the two are landscapes dominated by extraordinary rock formations.

beachside palms

The capital, Antananarivo (‘Tana') lies roughly in the centre of the island. Surrounded by twelve hills, it is one of the world's highest capitals at 1310 metres (4260 feet). Other major towns are Toamasina (usually called ‘Tamatave') on the east coast and Toliara (pronounced ‘Tuléar') on the west coast.

Parts of the island are covered by rain forest reflecting the island's tropical climate and home to lemurs, chameleons, trees (including the baobab) and plants which exist nowhere else. Average temperatures range between 10 degs C in the dry winter months (April to September) and 30 deg C in the summer (October to March). The rainy season usually runs from December to March. However, Madagascar has several microclimates which create substantial regional variations.

Madagascar 's 18 million people are mostly descended from Indonesian and Malayan seafarers who settled the island some 2,000 years ago. However, there are also strong African, Arab and, latterly, European and Chinese influences.

Until 1960, Madagascar was a French colony. It is now a democratic republic whose current president is Marc Ravalomana. French remains an official language along with the indigenous Malagasy. Very little English is spoken.

distinctive architecture

The majority of the population are Christian, mostly Catholic although there are also growing Protestant sects including Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists. Animist beliefs based on ancestor worship are also prevalent. Around 10 per cent of the population are Muslim.

Madagascar has recently changed currency from the Malagasy Franc (MgF) to the Ariary. In August 2006, the Ariary became the sole legal tender, although prices are still often quoted in Malagasy Francs. The conversion between the two is fixed at 5 MgF = 1 Ariary. The exchange rate in August 2006 was £1 = Ariary 3600.

Sterling can only be exchanged at banks in the main towns. Travellers are advised to take Euros or US dollars. (€1 = Ariary 2600). ATMs are available in major towns.

Time in Madagascar is GMT + 3 hours

Electricity is 220 V AC. Two-pin plugs are standard.