Covering about 592,800 sq. km, Madagascar is the 47th largest country in the world. The country gained independence in 1960 and since then has had a constitutional democracy .
Agriculture, trade, tourism, and extractive industries are the mainstay of the country’s economy. Madagascar is the world’s highest supplier of vanilla. Coffee, shrimps, and lychees are other key agricultural products in the country. It is also the supplier of half of the world’s sapphire.
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is a biodiversity hotspot because it is a home to species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else on earth.
Malagasy and French are the official languages of the country which are taught in schools, although, Malagasy is the national language of the country. English too is also spoken in the country and education is free and compulsory for children of ages 6-13.
With 52% of the population practicing traditional religion, it is the dominant religion in the country. 41% of the population adhere to Christianity. About 5% of the population practice Islamic religion.
Rainy season starts in December and runs through to March. Dry season runs from April through October and this is the best time to visit the country. September to December are also great times to visit the country if you are interested in seeing many species of snakes and lizards. Some of the tourist attractions include:
- Ile Sainte Marie: This is the number one tourist center in the country. It is an ideal spot for snorkeling. There are still clear waters and whales visit the island during summer.
- Tsingy de Bemaraha: This is another interesting place to visit. It is a home to about seven species of Lemur which is known for its creamy white fur and black face. It is located near the country’s west coast.
- Nosy Be: It is known for its clear waters and it attracts thousands of visitors yearly. The beach has excellent sea food restaurants too.
- Masoala National Park: The Park is a home to ten species of Lemurs, arrays of birds and reptiles. Here, you will also see the Tomato frog, named for its bright red colour. There are cars, buses, trains and airplanes to facilitate movement in and out of the city. The country receives over 312,000 visitors annually. There are over 20,000 hotels for you to stay in Madagascar when you visit, most are in Antananarivo the capital city.
