Located off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is Africa’s largest island. As well as being the world’s fourth-largest island (only Borneo, Greenland, and New Guinea are larger), Madagascar is home to dozens of smaller outlying islands.
There are over 1000 miles of coastline and a width of 350 miles (570 km) on the island of Madagascar. Following the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana around 88 million years ago, Madagascar became separated from India. Over 22 million people are estimated to live there.
Around 350 BC and AD 550, humans began to settle on the island. The Austronesian people of Borneo were responsible for this. Around AD 1000, Bantu migrants from East Africa crossed the Mozambique Channel and joined them.
Approximately 95% of the people in Madagascar are Malagasy, which is itself comprised of 18 sub-ethnic groups. Malayo-Indonesia and African-Arab ancestry are mixed in their DNA. Malagasy Christians make up nearly half of the population, with Protestants outnumbering Roman Catholics.
Which African country has the most land area, the most population, and the most people?
Many Christians today combine their religious beliefs with those of their ancestors’ cults. For example, they may go to church to pray for their deceased before burying them in accordance with their religion.
It’s possible to spend days on the islands doing anything from snorkeling and diving to cycling and relaxing. It’s a destination worth considering if you’re looking for exotic wildlife in a remote tropical setting.
The steep mountain range that runs parallel to the entire eastern coast of the island is undoubtedly its most notable feature. There are plenty of hiking trails (and mountain biking), white-sand beaches (though sharks can be a problem), and classic coral reefs for divers to explore.
Some of the island’s attractions include numerous street markets and botanical gardens. Walking through the rainforest in the early morning mist and hearing the eerie wailing calls of indri lemur troops is always a treat.
Also, check out these stunning nighttime images of African cities.
Madagascar is a wonderful place to unwind. The Malagasy culture, or the culture of Madagascar’s people, is another fascinating aspect of the island nation’s rainforests.
They’ve actually made it to the top of the world music charts with their music. Madagascar is truly a culturally diverse island.
Because of the separation that occurred millions of years ago, native plants and animals were able to evolve in relative isolation. The island’s biodiversity means that over 90% of its species are endemic to Madagascar and therefore rare.
You’ll be amazed to see how many of the world’s most endangered species are still alive and well in the area. Whether you’re fascinated or terrified by a particular animal, there are a variety of options out there. This list includes a number of things that you may not have even known existed in the real world!
Aye-aye, black lemur, dwarf lemur, bamboo lemur, Indri, ring-tailed lemur, falanaka, Tenrec, day gecko, spear-nosed snake, tomato frog, pill millipede, and many others are some of Madagascar’s best-known animals.
In fact, as the human population increases and other negative environmental factors such as pollution, deforestation, bush burning, erosion, etc. take hold, the island’s diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are under threat.
All the same, it’s still one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit.
Fast Facts About Madagascar
- Madagascar experiences two seasons. The first is a dry cooler season which kicks off from May and lasts until October. The second is a hot rainy season which kicks off in November and lasts until April.
- The island country has a population of 24.89 million, as of 2016.
- The country is also called Great Red Island (because of the colour of its soil)
- Madagaskar goes by other names which include: Madagasikara, Malagasy Republic, République de Madagascar, Repoblikan’i Madagasikara, Isle of Saint Lawrence, and the Republic of Madagascar.
- Madagascar is today an island, but it hasn’t been so previously. It was connected to Africa’s mainland millions of years ago.
- The country was formerly colonized by France. It regained freedom in 1960.
- French and Malagasy are Madagascar’s two official languages.
- Madagascar’s economy is not really a healthy one as approximately 70% of its inhabitants survive on less than $1 per day.
- The country houses a very young population. Over 60% of its inhabitants are said to be under the age of 25.