Browse listings of B&B, Home Exchange, Vacation Rentals (furnished apartments, villas, cottages, condos, farmhouses and other types of accommodations) of Madagascar:
Last Minute Tips Before you Travel to Madagascar
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC +3
- Electricity: 127/220V, 50Hz
(bring an adapter/transformer for your hair drier, laptop, cellullar phone etc.)
- Currency: Malagasy Franc (FMG)
- Country Dialing Code: 261
Must See - Properties on UNESCO World Heritage List by
- Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
- Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Madagascar
Location
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique
Capital
Antananarivo
Population
18,040,341 (July 2005 est.)
Regions
6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara
Climate
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
Ethnic groups
Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran
Religions
indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%
Languages
French (official), Malagasy (official)
Government type
republic
Background
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.
Visitor's Impressions
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