Madagascar Overview

Madagascar is a state located on the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, east of southern Africa. The island is on the surface the world’s fourth largest island. Madagascar also claims Îles Éparses, five French island areas located around Madagascar. The islands are so-called French overseas territories (Territoire d’outre-mer, TOM).

Capital: Antananarivo
Biggest city: Antananarivo
State: republic
Language: Malagasy, French
Religion: Christianity, indigenous religions
Surface: 587,040 km
Population: 22.5 million (2013)
Population density: 35 residents per km²
Life expectancy: 63 years
Illiteracy: 31%
Currency: ariary (MGA)
1 ariary = 0.0029 kr
GDP per capita: $ 900 (2010)
Time difference: +2 hours
Electricity: 110/220/380 V AC, 50Hz
National Day: June 26
Country area code: 261
2-Letter country abbreviation: MG (See more abbreviations on Abbreviationfinder)
Business: agriculture 81%, service sector 13%, industry 6%
Climate: tropical in coastal areas; temperate inland (rainy season from November to April); desert climate in the south

Madagascar flag

Madagascar was an independent kingdom that in 1895 became a French protectorate and colony the following year. During the 1930s, there were requests from anti-Semitic circles to deport all Jews from Europe there, which was called the Madagascar Plan. This plan was never implemented. The country regained its independence in 1960. In 1992-93, democratic elections were held, which ended 17 years of one-party rule.

In 2005, 69 percent of the population lived below the poverty line (approximately SEK 1,200 per person and year).

WORLD HERITAGE

The following objects in Madagascar are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The year in which the item was added to the list is indicated in parentheses.

  • Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve (1990)
  • Royal Hill Ambohimanga (2001)
  • The rainforests of Atsinanana, with six national parks (2007)

ELECTRICAL OUTLET

Electricity and electrical outlets in Madagascar

Voltage: 220 V

Frequency: 50 Hz

Type of plug: C, E

Need an adapter: No, you do not need an adapter.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Weather in Antananarivo

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Christmas Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average temperature °C 22 22 21 20 18 16 15 16 18 20 21 21
Day °C 26 26 26 25 23 21 20 21 24 26 27 26
Night °C 17 17 16 15 12 10 10 10 11 13 15 16
Rain (mm) 274 279 204 65 23 8 11 10 11 76 188 310
Rainy days 21 20 17 11 9 9 10 9 7 9 13 20
Soltim / day 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 6 8 7 7 7

Madagascar 2

Antananarivo

According to Countryaah, Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar, with about 1.4 million residents (2005). The city is located on a plateau approximately in the middle of the island. Antananarivo is the country’s cultural center and its most important trading and transport hub.

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