Where is Madagascar? >>>

Republic

Madagascar, or Republic of Madagascar (older name Malagasy Republic), is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar, is the fourth-largest island in the world, and is home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. They include the lemur infraorder of primates, the carnivorous fossa, three bird families and six baobab species. Read more >>>

Madagascar, as part of East Gondwana, split from Africa approximately 160 million years ago; the island of Madagascar was created when it separated from India 80 to 100 million years ago. Archaeologists estimate human settlement of Madagascar to be between 200 and 500 A.D., when seafarers from southeast Asia (probably from Borneo or the southern Celebes) arrived in outrigger sailing canoes. Bantu settlers probably crossed the Mozambique Channel to Madagascar at about the same time or shortly afterwards.

People

The written history of Madagascar begins in the 7th century, when Muslims established trading posts along the northwest coast and first transcribed the Malagasy language into Sorabe.

During the Middle Ages, the chiefs began to extend their power through trade with Indian Ocean neighbors, notably East Africa, the Middle East and India. Large chiefdoms began to dominate considerable areas of the island. Among these were the Sakalava chiefdoms of the Menabe, centred in what is now the town of Morondava, and of Boina, centred in what is now the provincial capital of Mahajanga (Majunga). The influence of the Sakalava extended across what is now the provinces of Antsiranana, Mahajanga and Toliara.

European contact began in the year 1500, when Portuguese sea captain Diego Dias sighted the island after his ship separated from a fleet going to India. The Portuguese continued trading with the islanders and named the island as "Sāo Lourenço" (St. Lawrence). In 1665, Francois Caron, the Director General of the newly formed French East India Company, sailed to Madagascar.[citation needed] The Company failed to establish a colony on Madagascar but established ports on the nearby islands of Bourbon and Ile-de-France (today's Reunion and Mauritius). In the late 17th century, the French established trading posts along the east coast.

From about 1774 to 1824, Madagascar was a favourite haunt for pirates, including Americans, one of whom brought Malagasy rice to South Carolina. Many European sailors were shipwrecked on the coasts of the island, among them Robert Drury whose journal is one of the only written depictions of life in southern Madagascar during the 18th century.Read more >>>

General information

Identity papers:

to travel in Madagascar, you should have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return. You can get a Visa on arrival at the airport (about 56 euros), or also from the Madagascar Embassy.

Health:

No vaccination is required, however it is recommended to be up-to-date with the following: DT polio, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, typhoïde. Anti-Malaria is a must.

Hygiene:

Madagascar does not have high risks, but it is sensible to adopt the following rules of hygiene: Wash your hands many times a day, only drink bottled water, avoid raw vegetables fruits with no outer skin and eat meat or fish that is well-cooked.

Security:

robberies are rare but you should take care as in any other country. Don't display your money in the street, don't wear jewellery, and put all your valuable things in a safe in your hotel or in cases that can be locked with a padlock.

Suitcases:

Take flexible cases and a maximum weight of 20kg. Bring torches, anti-mosquito cream, hats, sun cream, and a small medical kit, good footwear for walking, a pullover and trousers for the cool evenings.

Camping:

Some campsites (especially in the national parks) have shared toilets and showers, but obviously most camping does not include these facilities. It is good to warn customers that they can't have a proper shower, in the normal sense of the word, for several days when camping.