Africa A to Z: Continental and Country Profiles: Third Edition

Madagascar

COUNTRY PROFILES A-Z 244 Africa A-Z: Continental and Country Profiles | Africa Institute of South Africa Madagascar Orientation Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo – nearly twice the size of the British Isles. It lies across the Mozambique Channel, about 400 km from Africa’s southeast coast. The Tropic of Capricorn runs through the island’s southern portion. Madagascar measures about 1 570 km from north to south and about 570 km from east to west, through its broadest part. On its wellwatered eastern side the land rises steeply from a narrow coastal plain to mountain ranges extending like a spine across almost the whole length of the island. The highest point is Mount Tsaratanana (2 876 m) in the far north. Antananarivo, the island’s largest city lies in the mountains, more or less in the centre of the country. The beautiful bay of Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez) at the northern tip of the island is a fine natural harbour but its remote location has isolated it from the rest of the country. On the western side of the central mountain ranges the land slopes gently towards the coast, dissected by broad river valleys. The country’s second largest port is Mahajanga on the west coast. The country’s busiest port is Toamasina (formerly Tamatave) on the east coast. This coast is characterised by the 700 km long Pangalanes Canal, a series of inter-connected lagoons, extending from Toamasina to Manakara in the south; it is used as a waterway by small vessels and barges. The east coast receives the highest rainfall and is often hit by cyclones. The western part of the country is much drier, with the most arid areas in the far south. Much of Madagascar has been scarred by deforestation and extensive soil erosion. There are two small islands of note: Nosy Boraha (formerly Ile Sainte Marie) off the east coast and Nosy Be, off the northwest coast; both of them are tourist centres. Nosy Be produces perfume essence from the ylang-ylang plant and Nosi Boraha, a former French foothold, vanilla and cloves. Having formed part of the African continent in prehistoric times, Madagascar’s geological formations are similar to Africa’s, but different kinds of flora and fauna have since then developed on the island. Small animals unique to the island and rare plants can be seen in Madagascar’s national parks. People There are some 18 population groups of mixed Malayo-Polynesian, African and Arab origin. They all speak different dialects of the Malagasy language that belongs to the Austronesian family of COUNTRY PROFILES A-Z Africa Institute of South Africa | Africa A-Z: Continental and Country Profiles 245 languages, spoken in South Asia and on the Pacific islands. Standard Malagasy and French are the country’s official languages. Over half the population profess traditional ethnic religious beliefs, less than half are Christians with a small minority of Muslims. The largest cultural group are the Merina highlanders, predominant in and around the city of Antananarivo, followed by the Betsimisaraka who predominate in and around the port city of Toamasina. As well, there are small minorities of Frenchspeakers , Comorans, Indians and Chinese. The population is unevenly distributed, with about one- third living in urban areas; the most densely populated areas are the central highlands, between Antananarivo (the national capital) and the town of Fianarantsoa to the south, the east coast area, from Toamasina southward, and the west coast around Mahajanga. About one- fifth of the island is virtually uninhabited. Economy Madagascar is primarily an agricultural country; it is not particularly well endowed with mineral deposits. Chromium, graphite and limited quantities of gold are mined at present. Exploration for petroleum has thus far produced disappointing results. Most Madagascans depend on agriculture for a living; they generally cultivate tiny plots to meet their own need for food. Agriculture on the island is generally under-developed which is a major cause of rural poverty. Although about half the land area is potentially arable, only 5% is used for crop cultivation. Rice is the main food crop, though not enough is produced for the country’s needs. Cattle ranching is an important activity in the island’s western and southern savanna regions. Sugarcane, coffee, cloves and vanilla are produced for export along the well-watered east coast. The country’s marine and freshwater fisheries are an important source of food and revenue. Fish farming along...