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 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 |
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.