The island of Madagascar - interesting facts

Going on a trip to distant countries, many tourists are interested in the local way of life, culture and traditions . About the island of Madagascar, there are many interesting facts that everyone should know about who plans their vacation in this country. Here is a unique flora and fauna, a rich history, originating in ancient times.

Nature of Madagascar

The whole island is one state located in the Indian Ocean. It is often referred to as Africa, and geographically this is true. The most interesting facts about Madagascar are the following:

1. The island split off from the mainland 60 million years ago and is considered the first on our planet.
2. In the country there are about 12 thousand plants and animals, about 10 000 of them are considered unique. Many of them are rare endangered species, as well as endemic. For example, fern palms and trees, desert bushes or various chameleons (more than 60 species).
3. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, its area is 587040 square meters. km, and the length of the coastline is 4828 km.
4. The capital of Madagascar and at the same time the largest city is Antananarivo . The name translates as "a thousand villages" or "thousands of warriors".
5. Approximately 40% of the island is covered by forests. Indigenous people and unfavorable natural conditions destroyed 90% of natural resources. If this continues, then in 35-50 years the country will lose its natural uniqueness.
6. Madagascar is also called the Great Red Island, because in the soil there are deposits of aluminum and iron, giving a characteristic color.
7. In the state there are more than 20 national parks , which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
8. The highest point of the island is the extinct volcano Maromokotro (Marumukutra), whose name translates as "grove with fruit trees." Its peak is 2876 m above sea level.
9. Madagascar is the largest exporter and manufacturer of vanilla in the world. When the Coca-Cola company refused to use natural vanilla, the country's economy was severely undermined.
10. In Madagascar, there are more than 30 varieties of lemurs.
11. There are no hippos, zebras, giraffes or lions on the island (this fact will surely afflict fans of the cartoon "Madagascar").
12. Zebu is the local kind of cows that are considered sacred animals.
13. The largest predator on the island is Fossa. The animal has a cat's body, and a dog's nose. This is an endangered species, its closest relatives are the mongoose. Can reach the size of an adult lion.
14. On the island there are unusual insects (a variety of moths), eating at night tears of crocodiles and various birds to replenish the fluid in the body.
15. The eastern coast of Madagascar is teeming with sharks.
16. To catch a turtle, hunters throw a fish-sticking into the water and along with it they already get the catch.
17. Indigenous people do not kill spiders and do not touch their web: they are forbidden by religion.
18. In 2014 about the island of Madagascar was filmed a documentary modern film, which is called "Lemur Island". After watching it you will definitely want to visit this amazing state.

Historical interesting facts about the country of Madagascar

The first people appeared on the island more than 2000 years ago. During this historical period, local residents experienced a huge number of important events. The most interesting of them are:

1. For the first time the island was discovered in the XVI century by researcher Diego Diaz from Portugal. Since that time, Madagascar began to be used as an important trading hub.
2. In 1896 the country was captured by the French, turning it into its colony. In 1946, the island began to be considered an overseas territory of invaders.
3. In 1960, Madagascar gained independence and gained complete freedom.
4. In 1990, the rule of Marxists ended here, and all opposition parties were vetoed.
5. The top of the royal mountain Ambohimanga is considered an important historical landmark on the island. This is a place of worship for Aboriginal people, which is a religious and cultural property of the state.

Ethnic Interesting Facts About Madagascar

The number of residents in the country is almost 23 million people. All of them speak among themselves in the official languages: French and Malagasy. The traditions and culture of the aborigines are quite multifaceted, the most interesting facts are:

1. The average life expectancy for men is 61 years, and for women - 65 years.
2. The urban population of the country is 30% of the total number of inhabitants.
3. The average woman during the life gives birth to more than 5 children. According to this indicator, the state takes 20 place on the planet.
4. The average population density is 33 people per square meter. km.
5. There are two religions in the country: local and Catholic. The first is a link between the dead and the living, about 60% of the aborigines belong to it. True, most residents try to combine both confessions. Orthodoxy and Islam are also actively spreading.
6. The indigenous people like to bargain everywhere. This applies to restaurants, hotels and even to shops.
7. Tipping in public catering establishments is not accepted.
8. The Malagasy alphabet is based on Latin.
9. The main dish in the country is rice.
10. The most popular sport is football.
11. In the country, service in the army is considered compulsory, the service period is up to 1.5 years.
12. There are active foci of the plague on the island. In 2013, Ebola virus was rampant here.
13. The greatest fear of the aborigine is the fear of not being buried in a family crypt.
14. There is a tradition that forbids his son to shave his hair on his face until his father dies.
15. In the family, the wife manages the budget.
16. In Madagascar, sex tourism is developed. Aborigines consider the Europeans to be the highest caste, so they are happy to write novels with them.
17. The Malagasy do not observe the time by the clock. They evaluate a period not by minutes, but by a process. For example, 15 minutes is "the time of frying a grasshopper", and 20 - "boiling rice".
18. Here, almost no raw milk, and dessert is any fruit, sprinkled with sugar.
19. Women can make clothes from cobwebs.
20. Going to Madagascar, you should remember the numerous fadi (prohibitions). For example, gifts on the island are accepted only by 2 hands, and instead of kisses and embraces it is customary to rub cheeks and noses.