Madagscar

Madagascar

Fact file Currency: Malagasy Ariary Language: Malagasy, French Capital City: Antananarivo Largest City: Antananarivo Religion: Mainly traditional beliefs Population: 22,005,222 Type of government: Caretaker

government Exchange rate: 2,768.71 = I euro

Climate In Madagascar the weather remains pleasant through

the year. The coastal regions are comparatively warm than the other places. Mainly two seasons are perceived in the country. These are summer and winter. Summer months are hot and wet. Rainfalls are frequent in this period. The summer season rules between the months of November and April. On the other hand the winter months are cold and dry. Between the months of May and October you will find this winter season. Beware of the cyclones that often prevail over the land of Madagascar. The months between December and March are characterized by heavy rainfalls. 

CultureMusic Most contemporary and traditional

Malagasy music has dance rhythms with influences from Indonesia and the African mainland, Kenya. These rhythms are accompanied by the flute, whistle and valiha. 

CultureSpecial Holidays and events Madagascar has a lot of holidays and festivals.

The usual Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas are celebrated, as well as Insurrection Day (29 March, to celebrate the rebellion against the French in 1947). Organisation of African Unity Day (25 May); Anniversary Day (8 May) and Republic Day (30 December). In March, Alahamady Be is the low key Malagasy New Year. The Donia, a traditional music festival, is held on Nosy Be in May through June. 

Politics Politics of Madagascar takes place in a

framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Madagascar is head of state and the Prime Minister of Madagascar is head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system.

President of Madagascar - Andry Rajoelina

Religion 55 Percent of the population abides by

the traditional beliefs 40 Percent are Christians The remaining 5 Percent of the

population are Muslims. 

Food Vanilla Martini Madagascan Chicken Chicken in Coconut Milk Bourbon Vanilla, Bourbon Extract Chicken Curry Zucchini Skillet

Capital city - Antananarivo It is also known by its French colonial

shorthand form Tana.  The larger urban area surrounding the

city, known as Antananarivo-Renivohitra is the capital of Analamanga Region.

Places to visit1. Tsingy de Bemaraha The alien-looking karst limestone formations of

Tsingy de Bemaraha are unique on Earth and have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, in 1990. The southern part of the area was transformed into a national park, open to tourists, while the northern side remains a carefully protected natural reserve.

2. Ambohimanga Ambohimanga is considered the

birthplace of the Malagasy people and therefore, a significant symbol of cultural identity.

Ambohimanga is located just 20 km from the capital Antananarivo

3. Ranomafana National Park Located in the southeastern part of the

island, Ranomafana National Park is a 41,600 ha rainforest, with a huge diversity of wildlife. 12 species of cute lemurs and a wide array of lizards and birds call this place home.