Madagascar (Republic of Madagascar), an island nation of 587,000km², the fourth-largest island in the world, lies in the Indian Ocean and is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn. It occupies a strategic position off the coast of Mozambique and includes several much smaller islands. A central chain of high mountains, the Hauts Plateaux, occupies more than half of the main island and is responsible for the marked differences – ethnic, climatic and scenic – between the east and west coasts. The narrow strip of lowlands on the east coast, settled from the sixth century by Polynesian seafarers, is largely covered by dense rainforests, whereas the broader west-coast landscape, once covered by dry deciduous forests, is now mostly savannah. The southern tip of the island is semi-desert, with great forests of cactus-like plants.
Economy
Madagascar's mainly agricultural economy relies heavily on coffee production to earn foreign exchange, and this has suffered lately from a decline in world demand and prices. Rice and cassava are produced primarily for domestic staple consumption. Fishing is underdeveloped so far: the government, which still exercises extensive control over the economy, is hoping to improve its performance. Vanilla, clove, sisal, cocoa and the ‘beans of Lima’ are the other important commercial cultures of the island. The country has appreciable mineral deposits of chromium ore, bauxite and titanium ore, all of which are being exploited. 15% of GDP is derived from the manufacturing industry, mainly textiles and food processing. The service sector is relatively underdeveloped at present. The government is looking upon the ways of developing the tourism industry, and focus on the island's abundance of exotic wildlife as a major attraction.
Government
In March 1998, Malagasy voters approved a revised constitution. The principal institutions of the Republic of Madagascar are a presidency, a parliament (National Assembly and Senate), a prime ministry and cabinet, and an independent judiciary. The president is elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term, renewable twice. The Prime Minister and the members of Parliament discuss and vote the legislations, and the government executes them. The President can dissolve the National Assembly. On the other hand, the National Assembly can give a vote of no confidence and the Prime Minister and the Members of the Cabinet of Ministers are compelled to step back. The Constitutional Court examines the new legislations to ensure that they are in line w ith the Constitution.
Population
The Malagasy population is mainly of Afro-Asian origin. A recent study leaves think that the island was uninhabited until the first century probably, where Indonesians would have disembarked.
Languages
The official languages are Malagasy (which is related to Indonesian) and French. Local dialects are also spoken. Very little English is spoken.
Religion
50% follow animist beliefs; about 40 per cent Christian; remainder Muslim.
Useful Information
Independence: 26 June 1960
Currency: Ariary
Capital: Antananarivo (In the past Tananarive)
Population: 18,4 million (2005).
Surface: 587.040 km ²
Density: 30 hab. /km ²
Littoral: 4.828 km
Standard time: GMT/UTC + 3. Paris/HEC time + 2.
Internet Code: .mg
Climate
Hot and sub tropical climate, colder in the mountains. Rainy season: November to March. Dry season: April to October. The south and west regions are hot and dry. Monsoons bring storms and cyclones to the east and north from December to March. The mountains, including Antananarivo, are warm and thundery from November to April and dry, cool and windy the rest of the year.
Madagascar's national airline is Air Madagascar. Antananarivo is 17km (11 miles) from the city. Air Madagascar provides a regular bus service to Antananarivo. Facilities: Restaurant, Exchange bureau and car hire. Further airports are at Arivonimamo (international standby airport), which is 45km (28 miles) from the capital, Mahajanga (links to East Africa and the Comoro Islands), Nossi Bé (links to the Seychelles) and Toamasina (links to Mauritius and Réunion islands).
There are three railway lines in Madagascar: Antananarivo-Ambatondrazaka via Moramanga, Antananarivo-Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa-Manakara. The Malagasy railway network dates from the colonial period. Although it is not the fastest and most comfortable means, it lets you admire the magnificent landscapes (especially on the line connecting Fianarantsoa to Manakara) and discover the Malagasy fruits and dishes offered at every stop.
By sea, the only regular connection is ensured between Toamasina on the East coast and Mauritius.
Credit / Debit Cards and ATM's
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at top-end hotels in Tana and the provincial capitals. A few ATMs have now been installed in Antananarivo.
Travellers Cheque Advices
These can be exchanged in banks and major hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1400-1600.
Entry Requirements
Passports valid for six months after date of entry are required.
Visas
Return or onward tickets are required. Foreigners are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Validity: Visas are issued for stays of up to 90 days and are valid for six months from date of issue
Shopping
Handicrafts include lamba (traditional squares of cloth in various designs and woven materials); zafimaniny marquetry, which is applied to furniture, chessboards and boxes; silverwork such as mahafaly crosses and vangavanga bracelets; jewellery made from shells and precious stones; items woven from reeds, raffia and straw; antemore paper decorated with dried flowers; embroidery; bags in palm; the ‘solitaires’ games (each marble being carved in a different stone) that we find in big numbers at the market of Antananarivo. All products incorporating Malagasy flora or fauna (including dried flowers) often require export permits .Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.
Restaurants
In Madagascar food is very varied. Malagasy cooking is based on a large serving of rice with a dressing of sauces, meat, vegetables, fish and seasoning. The population is very cosmopolitan (with Africans, Indians, Arabs, Chinese and Europeans (especially French and Italian) and thus the gastronomy is very rich.
Leisure
If you want to enjoy Malagasy nights, go to the “Glacier” in Tana. In Tulear, it is necessary to visit Zaza Club, close to the beach.
Accommodation
Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars (5-star being equivalent to an international standard of about 3 stars); a secondary system of Ravinala (travellers' palms) is used for more 'rustic' accommodation.
Health
Health insurance is strongly recommended; it should include a cover for emergency repatriation. Private and public healthcare is available.
Telephone
IDD is available in the major towns. Country code: 261, followed by a two-digit number for an access provider, 20 for TELMA, 30 for Telecel, 31 for Sacel, 32 for SRR, and 33 for Madacom, but a standard dialling code is expected to be introduced soon. After the international and access codes, numbers should be seven digits including two initial digits for the geographical area. The code to compose to obtain the international one is the 16. The cheapest way to make phone calls is to use a telephone card and call from a telephone booth. Telephone cards can be purchased at post offices and most hotels.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage reaches major cities and main roads.
Internet
Public Internet access exists in large cities; there are a few Internet cafes in Antananarivo.
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