Madagascar

What continent is Madagascar in?

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, the capital and largest city is Antananarivo, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of the African mainland. The country that includes the island of Madagascar also has many smaller peripheral islands.

In 2012, Madagascar's population was estimated to be over 22 million, 90% of which live on less than $2 a day. Malagasy and French are both official languages ​​of the island nation. The majority of the population adheres to traditional beliefs, Christianity, or a mixture of both. Ecotourism and agriculture, along with greater investment in education, health, and private businesses, are key elements of Madagascar's development strategy.

History of the island nation of Madagascar?

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, formerly known as the Republic of Malagasy, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of mainland Africa. Madagascar is the 47th largest country in the world and the main island is the fourth largest in the world. This country consists of the island of Madagascar and many surrounding small islands.

Madagascar - looks like a large battleship sailing in the Indian Ocean, south of the African continent. The area of ​​the main island - Madagascar is 590,000 square kilometers.

The Austronesian people were the first generation to settle in Madagascar, from 350 BC to 550 AD, they arrived on the island of Borneo by boat. Around the year 1000, the Bantu crossed the Mozambique Channel to migrate to Madagascar. Over time, other groups continued to settle in Madagascar, each making lasting contributions to the island's cultural life. In 1897, this country was colonized by the French, it was not until 1960 that it gained independence. The year 1992 marked an important milestone for the island when it was recognized by the United Nations as an official country, governed as a constitutional democracy with the capital at Antananarivo.

Due to the distance to Africa up to 400 km, although Madagascar belongs to Africa, it is like an isolated land. It has an extremely rich ecosystem with more than 85% of the world's flora and fauna found in this land, this is the reason why Madagascar is so interesting and named the 8th continent. Traveling here, you are not only surprised by the diverse ecosystem, but also by the simple life of the indigenous people.

What is the culture and festivals like in Madagascar?

Madagascar has 18 ethnic groups, each with its own cultural identity. There are also Chinese, Indian, and Comorian communities and a small European population. All have created a Madagascar culture imbued with national identity and diversity.

The ethnic subgroups in Madagascar adhere to their own beliefs, habits, and ways of life. However, several core cultural features have become common throughout the island, creating a strongly unified Madagascar cultural identity.

Many traditions of auditory art flourished in Madagascar. One of the most important traditions is the oratory. The visual arts are also popular throughout the island nation.

Woodcarving is an art form with distinct regional styles, reflected in the decoration of balcony fences and other building elements. The tradition of making decorative woodwork was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008.

The custom of dancing with the dead in Madagascar has been around for hundreds of years, this is a custom as well as a traditional festival of this country, attracting many tourists to participate.

Malagasy culture

Madagascar is not only famous for its wildlife, but it is also a land known for its rich cultural traditions.

It is a place that retains the traditions of ancient primitive life, where many taboos and traditional customs are placed above the law; and the religion of the West blends naturally with the belief in witchcraft of incomparable power.

There are few experiences like exploring a remote Malagasy village at dusk, listening to the sounds of hand-held instruments with a lyrical choir. Despite the hard and sometimes unlucky daily life, Malagasy farmers are always cheerful optimists. The people here are very friendly and forgiving. They easily forgive you when you are rude and spoil their language. And there's nowhere else in the world where your car pulls by, you'll be met with waving, friendly smiles, and loud shouts of Bonjour vazaha!

Wildlife in Madagascar

Almost everyone comes to Madagascar for its wildlife. Madagascar is one of the most famous places in the world for its biodiversity, wealth, and accessibility of wildlife. This is an ideal destination for visitors to satisfy their curiosity to explore and witness many interesting and useful things. Visiting any of Madagascar's parks, visitors can also admire the island's more famous animals including a variety of lemurs, chameleons with fancy colors and exotic colors. brightly colored chameleons.

Madagascar's creatures evolved in an environment free of natural predators, so many of the animals here are not afraid of humans. Visitors can easily get close to a pack of lemurs while walking in the park, although this may seem unusual in areas with active hunting

Land of adventure

Madagascar offers countless opportunities for adventure. From rafting in distant white waterfalls, surfing in misty rivers, or strolling on white sands to strenuous mountain climbs.

Madagascar has plenty of options for travelers who love the outdoors and thrills. Climbing by bike, exploring crocodile caves, flying with a parachute, diving with sharks… Those are just part of the journey to discover Madagascar.

Special land

Despite its attractions with its wonders and wonders, Madagascar is not a destination for all visitors. Madagascar is still a poor country, only a few people speak English, infrastructure is rudimentary. Phones and the internet are foreign in this country, while robbery remains a threat in faraway places. Traveling here is not cheap either.

If you're looking for a place to visit in the world, remember that the future of Madagascar belongs to tourism, especially those who love nature, willing to pay the price for protecting the wildlife by renting native guides, pay fees to enter the parks, and buy all kinds of handicrafts. There are not many economic development resources other than tourism for a poor agricultural country Madagascar to preserve the remaining wildlife.

As one of the poorest countries in the world, the people of Madagascar live mainly on natural food sources. Most Malagasy have no chance to become doctors, sports stars, factory workers, or secretaries; they have to live outdoors and use whatever they find from nature for cover. Their poverty is depriving the nation and the world of a, particularly diverse island. The responsibility, respect, and proper actions of visitors play a decisive role in preserving and conserving the wildlife in Madagascar.

Tourist places and entertainment activities

Tsingy de Bemaraha Conservation Area

The first tourist attraction in the island nation of Madagascar that visitors cannot miss is the Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve. Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of Madagascar's newest parks, opening to the public in 1998. Bemaraha Park is famous for its sharp limestone mountains, cut through it bypasses and gorges with real caves. very rich stuff. The limestone mountains fringed like needles pointed to the blue sky creating a large labyrinth stretching over an area of ​​up to 152,000 hectares.

More specifically, the animal that dominates this "hair-raising" forest is a white-legged lemur. According to statistics, up to 11 species of lemurs live mainly on the steep cliffs of Madagascar. This is a primate that is good at climbing, so they defy the difficult terrain here.

Baobabs Avenue

Is a dirt road between Morondava and Belong Tsiribihina in western Madagascar with rows of 800-year-old Baobab trees spreading along both sides of the road. Although the number has decreased, the remaining trees still have a natural beauty, proud and proud. full of vitality has long become a symbol as well as the pride of this island nation. This is the right place to check in for visitors when surrounded by the wonderful scenery of mountains and giant Baobab trees.

Nosy Be

As an island nation in the Indian Ocean, it is not surprising that Madagascar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Nosy Be. Located in the northwest of the island of Madagascar, this is one of the most pristine beaches. Nosy Be is Madagascar's top tourist destination. This island attracts visitors by the clear blue water to see the bottom, fresh seafood dishes, peaceful space, and rich flora and fauna.

There are also many other famous tourist attractions that visitors cannot miss such as Andringitra Park, Ambohimanga Royal Hill, Atsinanana Rainforest...

What is special about Madagascar cuisine?

Madagascar cuisine is a blend of many cuisines from around the world including Africa, Southeast Asia, India, China, and Europe. Although the dishes here are quite simple in form, they are extremely nutritious and diverse. In it, there are many delicious and typical dishes that you must try such as Stroganoff sausage, chicken cake, Madagascar fried rice, Madagascar meat cake, Madagascar banana cake, Malona, ​​Romazava, Ravitoto, Varanga ...

Madagascar's cuisine is very spicy, but do not forget to enjoy the traditional dish of this island nation, which is Malagasy, consisting of rice served with meat, vegetables, and sauce. There are also Three Horses Beer or THB beer which are two quite popular drinks here.

Zuma Market in Madagascar is considered the largest market in the world with a wide variety of products, very bustling activity. In addition, visitors can visit other markets such as Bazary Be and Toamasina…

Interesting things about the island nation of Madagascar that few people know

Both politically and geographically, the island nation of Madagascar now belongs to Africa. However, millions of years ago, this land was part of Asia.

From 1897-1960, the paradise land of Madagascar was a colony of French colonialists. Today, French is one of only two official languages ​​in the island nation, apart from Malagasy.

Madagascar is known as a botanical paradise with nearly 15,000 species, including 170 species of palm and 860 species of orchid. And nearly 80% of the world's vanilla is grown in this island nation.

There are also many other interesting things about Madagascar that you do not know. Let's take a trip with friends and relatives to Africa's most tourist paradise to understand more about it one day not far away.

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