The Geography and Features of Madagascar


   The Republic of Madagascar is located about 250 miles off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and is the fourth largest island in the world. It’s capital, Antananarivo, is in the island’s Central Highlands (18.8792°S, 47.5079°E). The land mass of the island of Madagascar is approximately 227,000 square miles and has areas of high elevation and several lakes. Some of the mountains in Madagascar are over 8,000 feet. The country of Madagascar experiences two climatic seasons: There is a hot and rainy season that runs from November to April and a dry, cooler season that runs from May to October. Madagascar often experiences cyclones because of the southeast trade winds. The island of Madagascar is known for its tropical rain forest in the eastern part of the country. It is also famous for its abundance of different flora, fauna, and unique species that are only found there due to its geographic isolation.

  
   The population of Madagascar is made up of the Malagasy peoples of African, Arab, Indian, and European descent. Their population also includes a small amount of Comorans and South East Asians. Because of this mix of peoples, there is a rich culture that combines all these influences. The national languages of Madagascar are Malagasy, a tongue of Malayo-Polynesian origin, and French. The dominant religion in Madagascar is Christianity, primarily Catholicism and Protestantism. Buddhism is also practiced in parts of the country.

   
   The economy of Madagascar is centered around fishing, forestry, and agriculture. The traditional food staple of Madagascar is rice, but the country’s main exports are cloves, cocoa, coffee, sugarcane, and vanilla. Some other common crops are bananas, beans, and cassava. Tourism, textiles, and mining also give support to their economy.

  
   Most of the citizens of Madagascar live in rural areas but their conditions of life do vary from region to region. Regions where cash crops are grown, are prosperous and well-linked with the cities. Other areas are isolated and suffer with famine. Madagascar is heavy on agriculture and really all the regions rely on it but some regions, like the eastern regions, frequently suffer devastation from the cyclones which are a feature of the Madagascar climate. Sadly, Madagascar remains one of the poorest nations in the world and much of its population lives in poverty.  





Works Cited:

Taylor, Franklyn. "Madagascar." In Native Peoples of the World: An Encyclopedia of Groups, Cultures, and Contemporary Issues, edited by Steven Danver. Routledge, 2013. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/sharpegmcv/madagascar/0?institutionId=5072


Covell, Maureen Ann, Jean Dresch, Hubert Jules Deschamp, Raymond K. Kent, and Aidan William Southall. "Madagascar." Encyclopaedia Britannica. September 14, 2017. Accessed April 1, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/place/Madagascar/Local-government.

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