MADAGASCAR

By: Jacob Williams

Flag

Seal

Motto "Fitiavana, Tanindrazana,Fandrosoana" (Malagasy) "Amour, patrie, progrès"  "Moto" is Swahili for "hot"

IMPORTANT INFO Madagascar gained independence on June 26, 1960 and it

was from France. It is an Island country located in the Indian Ocean, and it is also referred to as Malagasy Republic.

Capital: Antananarivo President: Hery Rajaonarimampianina Government: Caretaker government Currency: Malagasy ariary Population: 22.29 million (2012) World Bank Official languages: French Language, Malagasy language

Geography Madagascar - Largest Cities 1 Antananarivo  1,391,433 2 Toamasina  206,373 3 Antsirabe  186,253 4 Fianarantsoa 167,227 5 Mahajanga  154,657 6 Toliara 115,319 7 Antsiranana 82,937 8 Antanifotsy  70,626 9 Ambovombe 66,818 10 Ambilobe  56,000

Geographical features Mountains

1 Maromokotro  12,876 m2 Andranofito 51,752 m3 Vohimanga  61,038 m

Historical events 1500s - Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English attempt to

establish trading settlements which fail due to hostile conditions and fierce local Malagasy

1700s - The French attempt to establish military positions on the east coast but by the early 19th century the only settlement they could claim was the island of Ste. Marie

1828-1861 - Radama I is succeeded by his widow Ranavalona I, who terrorizes the country for 33 years by persecuting Christians, evicting foreigners, executing political rivals, and reviving the custom of killing babies born un unlucky days.

1863 - Radama II is assassinated 1991 - After an economic collapse, Malagasy take to the

streets and demand a new government

Historical events 1993 - Ratsiraka is ousted and replaced with Albert Zafy who

wins democratic elections and forms the Thrid Republic. Zafy later runs into trouble by continually breaching the constitution and is impeached by the National Assembly

2001 - Marc Ravalomanana, mayor of Tana, is elected president with 52% of the vote. Ratsiraka refuses to accept the result and a political snafu ensues.

2006 - Marc Ravalomanana was re-elected for a second term.

2009 - President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in March 2009 during an uprising led by Andry Rajoelina, then-mayor of Antananarivo.

HISTORICAL PEOPLE Albert Rakoto Ratsimamanga, the Scientific Pioneer 1st

scientist Gisèle Rabesahala, the Patriot leader that struggled for

independence Jean-Luc Raharimanana is a Malagasy writer. Erick Manana is a singer and a songwriter described once

as the “Bob Dylan of Madagascar”. Jacques Rabemananjara was a Malagasy politician,

playwright and poet. 

Things happening today The mentally disabled children are able to be

independent with little help Peace Corps have been Helping Silk Weavers

in Madagascar Expand their Businesses Six new species of a mysterious blood-sucking

ant have been identified in Madagascar — and they're an especially odd bunch. The so-called Dracula ants, described today (March 31) in the journal ZooKeys, seem to defy many of the normal rules that ...

Things that make Madagascar unique you can go Hiking in Isalo its superb. In the late afternoon

people may suggest visiting the natural rock window to watch the sunset.

In June, humpback whales come from the waters of the South Pole to the Ste Marie Channel, not far off the coast. The channel is protected by the East coast of Madagascar and by Sainte-Marie, ideal for whales who come to breed and calve

You can take a Visit to Lemur Island There are four species to see at Lemur Island, including the bamboo

lemur, the black & white ruffed lemur, brown lemur and one diademed sifaka.

Bamboo lemur

Black & white ruffed

lemur

Brown lemur

Diademed-sifaka

Government The government of Madagascar is a

Republic

Famous people Philippe Eidel: composer, music director,

actor Azaly Ben Marofo: politician Charles Rabemananjara: former prime

minister

Current events Deforestation in Madagascar is largely the result of three

activities: Tavy or slash-and-burn agriculture: Tavy is the lifeblood of Malagasy

culture and the Malagasy economy. Tavy is mostly used for converting tropical rainforests in Madagascar into rice fields.

Logging for timber is especially a problem in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, particularly on the Masoala peninsula.