Madagascar Facts

An island which lies to the southeast of Africa, Madagascar has a 4,828 km coastline. It is the fourth largest island in the world and Antananarivo is the capital city. The culture of this region is influenced by people from different ethnic groups. Information about natural resources and cultural diversity of this country should make the facts about Madagascar interesting. Geographical location of Madagascar makes it a unique island nation.

Madagascar Facts and Information

It is believed that the island of Madagascar was first inhibited by Austronesian people in the period between 300 BC - 500 AD. Before independence (26th June, 1960) and prior to the formation of Republic of Madagascar, this region was ruled by the French from 1890 to 1960. The Austronesian language, Malagasy, French and English are given the official status in Madagascar. Let us find important information and fun facts about Madagascar.

• The total area of Madagascar is 587,040 sq. km. The highest point in this island nation is Mt. Maromokotro at a height of 2,876 m.
• The diversity in wildlife and plant species attracts scientists from the world over.
• Ethnic groups of Madagascar island are the Merina, Betsileo, Cotiers, Tsimihety, Betsimisaraka, Antaisaka, Creole, French, Indian and Comoran.
• Madagascar is rich in natural resources. Minerals found in this region include graphite, coal, chromite, quartz, salt, bauxite, etc.
• Agriculture is carried out on 5% of the total land in Madagascar. Along with crop cultivation, pasture lands also are found in a large areas of Madagascar. Important crops of Madagascar include coffee, sugarcane, vanilla, cocoa, cloves, cassava, rice, bananas, beans, etc.
• Madagascar though is a rich country in terms of natural resources, forests are fast dwindling. Soil erosion resulting from deforestation is a major environmental issue faced by this country.
• Per capita income of Madagascan people is low due to which lots of problems are faced by citizens of this country; poor health facilities, malnutrition, dire straits of educational system are aggravating issues of this island nation. Let us delve into the history after these cool facts about Madagascar.

History

The study conducted by archaeologists suggests that original inhabitants of this island were the Vazimba people. It was 160 million years ago that the territory of Madagascar got separated from Africa as a part of Eastern Gondwana. The island of Madagascar was, however, split from Indian subcontinent about 80-100 million years ago. The Borneo or southern Celebes arrived in Madagascar between 200 and 500 AD. Shortly after arrival of these Austronesian people, Bantus came to Madagascar by crossing the Mozambique Channel. In the Middle Ages, Antaimoro established his kingdom in Southern Madagascar region; the king Antaimoro is said to be of Somali origin. Documentation of the Madagascan history began in 7th century. It was during this time that East Africans and Arabs established their trading posts on coastal areas of northwest Madagascar. Through the middle ages, Madagascar was influenced by Arabs, Somalis and Persians. Europeans reached the shores of this island in 1500 AD. The French ruled this nation till 1960.

Interesting Facts about Madagascar

The Madagascar facts for kids that are presented below, make us aware of some interesting information about this country.

• The flora and fauna of Madagascar accounts for 5% of the total number of species found in the world. Interesting thing is that 80% of the plant and animal species are endemic to this region.
• The tourists who visit Madagascar need to be aware of either Malagasy or French; traveling in this part of the world can be difficult without knowledge of these languages.
• The island nation of Madagascar produces vanilla and is the largest exporter.
• Soil of Madagascar is red in color. This country is therefore, also known as Red Island.
• A place called Royal Hill in Ambohimanga is declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This place hosts many sacred places, burial sites and a royal city.

The various facts about Madagascar mentioned above, deal with different aspects such as geography, history and present state of this country. These facts about Madagascar should therefore, provide a summary of details about this island state.