Buzz
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of the African continent. The country comprises the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands.
Madagascar is an incredibly unique island, isolated from other continents, serving as the habitat for numerous plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This ecological uniqueness has led some ecologists to refer to Madagascar as the “eighth continent,” and the island is classified as a biodiversity hotspot by the International Conservation Organization.
20 Intriguing Insights into Madagascar
1. Approximately 88 million years ago, the island of Madagascar was part of the supercontinent Gondwana, later separating to become the world's first island, home to evolutionarily unique creatures such as the Fossa, Lemurs, and Tenrecs.
2. Madagascar is the 47th largest country in the world by land area, with the main island being the fourth largest island globally (after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo).
3. Madagascar is also known as the Red Island due to the color of its soil.
4. Madagascar is likened to a land of beliefs and mysteries. About half of the island nation's population adheres to traditional religions, which tend to emphasize the connections between life and razana (ancestors). Nearly half of the population are Christians.
5. Madagascar's sources of growth include tourism, agriculture, and mining.
6. The tourism industry is considered one of the pillars of Madagascar's economy. There are numerous modern resorts on the island of Madagascar.
7. In Madagascar, right at its center lies a high plateau and tall mountains, some of which were once volcanoes. The highest peak here is Maromokotro in the north, standing at 2,876 meters.
8. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga – a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site, is considered one of the holiest places in the land of Madagascar for over 500 years.
9. Madagascar boasts abundant untapped agricultural and mineral resources, ranking among the world's top suppliers of vanilla, cloves, and orchids. Agriculture includes coffee, textiles, and shrimp. Mineral resources encompass various gemstones and semi-precious stones... Currently, Madagascar provides half of the world's vanilla supply, while also being one of the largest reserves for ilmenite (titanium ore) globally, as well as significant deposits of chromite, coal, iron, copper, and nickel.
10. When one thinks of Madagascar, the iconic baobab tree immediately comes to mind—a species deeply symbolic to the island nation. Baobabs hold numerous beliefs related to motherhood and children, serving as symbols of fertility.
11. The national currency unit of Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary.
12. The Zebu cattle is considered a sacred animal on the island of Madagascar.
13. Antananarivo serves as the administrative capital and the largest city of Madagascar, with a population of approximately 2,000,000 people. Antananarivo is currently the commercial hub of the country with numerous shops (including international brands) and commercial banks...
14. In Madagascar, there are numerous national parks and nature reserves.
15. Located in the Southeast region of Madagascar near the village of Ranomafana, Ranomafana National Park is one of the nation's most renowned parks. It is home to the endangered golden bamboo lemur, a species with a diet that includes bamboo shoots containing cyanide levels potentially lethal to other animals, yet the charming golden lemurs consume bamboo without adverse effects.
16. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is situated along Madagascar's western coastline and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 due to its unique geological formations, along with its diverse ecosystems featuring mangrove forests inhabited by wild birds and lemurs.
17. Isalo National Park lies in the Central Southern region of Madagascar, comprising grasslands, rugged cliffs, and sandstone formations, interspersed with palm trees. As in many of the country's national parks, guided tours are mandatory. Tours can range from a few hours to several days.
18. Nosy Be Island, located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is home to numerous volcanic lakes and lazy lemurs. Visitors can admire Ylang Ylang gardens or explore unique coral reefs. Particularly, the Lokobe Nature Reserve on the island is a destination for flower and plant enthusiasts.
19. The Chameleon Flower Chameleon originates from Madagascar.
20. Malagasy cuisine is known for its spiciness. The main dishes of Madagascar are primarily made from rice, accompanied by vegetables and extremely spicy chili peppers...
Prominent dishes include ravitutu (sliced beef) and rumazava (beef stew with tomatoes and spices), as well as samba (meat-filled pastries). Along the coastline, there is an abundance of seafood (lobster, crab, clams, sea urchins). Fruits are plentiful, growing year-round.
As per Travelingmyself.com
***
Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourFebruary 19, 2015
