The famous place of Madagascar
One of the last major areas on Earth to be settled by humans, the natural beauty and
ecological diversity of Madagascar makes it feel like a country forgotten by time. Located off the
eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is home to thousands of plant and
animal species found nowhere else in the world. Madagascar’s extraordinary natural diversity
has earned the country the nickname “the eighth continent”. A veneration of ancestry and
tradition pervades the national culture, a reverence that is reflected in the country’s architecture,
art and social manners. Visit the top tourist attractions in Madagascar to discover for yourself
the natural, cultural and historical diversity that is Madagascar.
Ranomafana National Park
Located in the southeastern region of Madagascar near the village of Ranomafana,
the Ranomafana National Park is one of the nation’s most popular parks.The eastern
section of the park is the most scenic, with numerous streams splashing through densely
forested hills. The park is home to the endangered golden bamboo lemur, an animal
whose diet includes bamboo shoots that contain doses of cyanide that would be lethal to
other animals, yet the charming golden lemur feeds on the bamboo with no ill effects
Masoala National Park
Situated in the northeast Madagascar, the Masoala National Park covers
nearly 250 miles of rainforest and includes three marine parks as well. The park
features ten species of lemur, including the Aye-aye, the world’s largest nocturnal
primate. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds and reptiles, including
the Tomato frog, named for its bright red color. The Tampolo, Ambodilaitry and
Ifaho marine parks are ideal for snorkeling and kayaking adventures.
Andasibe-Mantadia
Encompassing around 100 miles of land in eastern Madagascar,
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to eleven lemur species, including the
country’s largest lemur, the Indri. Located near Madagascar’s capital city of
Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia is one of the easiest parks to visit. The park is
split into two areas, the Mantadia National Park and the Analamazoatra Reserve.
Local guides conduct 1- to 6-hour tours of either area.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Considered one of the country’s most sacred spots by the Malagasy
people for 500 years, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a historical village that
was once home to Madagascar royalty. The wall that surrounds the village was
made in 1847 and was constructed with a mortar made of lime and egg whites.
The Mahandrihono compound includes the former home of King
Andrianampoinimerina, with walls made of solid rosewood, and artifacts of the
island’s great king, including drums, weapons and talismans.
Ifaty
Ifaty is the name given to two dusty fishing villages on the coast of
southwest Madagascar. Offshore, a 60-mile long coral reef is a natural barrier to
rough sea waves, creating coastal waters that are ideal for diving, snorkeling and
fishing. The desert inland area is known for its spiny forest, where the strange-
shaped baobab trees have thrived for centuries.
Avenue of the Baobabs
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of trees lining the dirt road between
Morondava and Belon’iTsiribihina in western Madagascar. Its striking landscape
draws tourists from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations
in the region. The Baobab trees, up to 800 years old, did not originally tower in
isolation over the landscape but stood in a dense tropical forest. Over the years,
the forests were cleared for agriculture, leaving only the famous baobab trees.
Nosy Be
The small island of Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s premier tourist spots
attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe year round. Although Nosy
Be’s beaches don’t look as picture perfect as some other tropical beaches, they
do win points for tranquility, clear turquoise water and excellent seafood
restaurants serving seafood diner on the sand.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
The Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve lies in the southern region of
Madagascar’s largest natural reserve, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature
Reserve. The word “tsingy” refers to the pinnacles that dot the park’s limestone
plateau. Located near the country’s west coast, the park features a broad
expanse of mangrove forest. The park is home to seven lemur species, including
the Deckenssifaka, a genus of lemur notable for its creamy white fur and black
face.
IsaloNational Park
The Isalo National Park is notable for is varied terrain. Located in the
central southern region of Madagascar, the park includes areas of grassland,
steep canyons and sandstone formations, all dotted by occasional pools lined by
palm trees. As in many of the country’s national parks, guides are required.
Tours can be arranged to last as short as several hours or as long as several
days.
Ile Sainte Marie
The Ile Sainte Marie lies off the east coast of Madagascar. The island’s
array of protected bays and inlets drew pirates to Ile Sainte Marie during the 17th
and 18th centuries, and the wrecks of several pirate ships can still be viewed
from the shallow waters of the Baie des Forbans. Today the island is one of the
top tourist attractions in Madagascar. The still, clear waters of the island’s bays
make ideal spots for snorkeling. Migrating humpback whales visit the island
waters during summer and early fall.
The famous people of Madagascar
Philippe Eidelage 61Philippe Eidel
is a French music producer, writer and film
music composer.
CarolusAndriamatsinoroage28
Carolus Andriamatsinoro, known simply as
Carolus, is a Malagasy football player. He is
currently playing for USM Alger in the
Algerian LigueProfessionnelle 1.
Pascal
Razakanantenainaage30Pascal
Razakanantenaina, also known as "Pascal
Razak" is a Malagasy footballer currently
playing for Arras Football Association in
France.
Eric-Julien
Rakotondrabeage37Eric-Julien
Rakotondrabe is a Malagasy footballer
currently plays for Fanilo Japan Actuels.
AnicetAbelage28Anicet
Andrianantenaina Abel is a Malagasy
footballer, who currently plays as a
midfielder for LudogoretsRazgrad in the
Bulgarian A Football Group.
Jimmy Radafisonage38Jimmy
Radafison is a Malagasy footballer currently
plays for Saint Louis Suns United.
Raymond Ranjevaage75Raymond
Ranjeva, served as a judge on the
International Court of Justice from
February, 1991 until February, 2009. Jean-
Joseph RabeariveloDied at 36
(1901-1937)Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo, born
Joseph-CasimirRabearivelo, is widely
considered to be Africa's first modern poet
and the greatest literary artist of
Madagascar.
ÉricPichetage57Éric Pichet is a
professor at KEDGE Business School
teaching at a post-graduate level and French
economist
. Samoëlaage41Samoëla
Rasolofoniaina, better known as Samoëla, is
a Malagasy vocalist and composer of
contemporary folk fusion and roots music
that draws upon musical traditions.
NinieDoniahNinieDoniah is a
Malagasy singer and composer of salegy
music that originates from the northern
coastal area of Madagascar, including her
birthplace of Nosy Be.
OlombelonaRickyOlombelona
Ricky, also known as Ricky, is a Malagasy
vocalist and roots musician based in
Antananarivo, Madagascar.
VaiavyChilaVaiavyChila, also known
as Chila, is a vocalist and composer of
salegy music from the northern coastal
region of Madagascar.
Madagascar
Slimage61Randriamananjara
RadofaBesata Jean Longin is a Canadian-
Malagasy folk and blues guitarist, who
records and performs under the stage name
Madagascar Slim.
Claude SimonDied at 92 (1913-
2005)Claude Simon was a French novelist
and the 1985 Nobel Laureate in Literature.
His parents were French, his father being a
career officer who was killed in the First
World War.
NirinaZubirage35Nirina Zubir is an
Indonesian MTV Movie Award winning
actress in modern Indonesian cinemaradio
DJ and MTV VJ.
LalainaNomenjanaharyage32L
alaina Nomenjanahary is a Malagasy
footballer who currently plays for French
club RC Lens in France.
Claudio
Ramiadamananaage29Claudio
Ramiadamanana is a Malagasy footballer
who currently plays for SO Romorantin of
the Championnat de France amateur.
Didier Ratsirakaage81Vice Admiral
Didier Ratsiraka is a Malagasy politician
who was President of Madagascar from 1975
to 1993 and from 1997 to 2002.
Madagascar
Ang Republikang Madagascar o Madagaskar ay
isang walanghangganang pulongbansa sa KaragatangIndiyan,
salabasngsilangangpampangng Aprika. Ang Madagascar ang ika-4 napinakamalakingpulosadaigdig.
Tahananitonglimangbahagdanngmga specie ng halaman at mga hayop sabuongmundo, 80
bahagdannitoangmatatagpuansa Madagascar lamang.
Ilansamgahalimbawang biyodibersidad angmgapamilyangmga primate na lemur at
kanyangmga punong baobab.
Culture and Belief of Madagascar
The culture of Madagascar is an amalgamation of various cultures of its multi-ethnic
population. The culture of the country reflects the origins of the Malagasy people and exhibits
striking resemblance in certain aspects with the cultural practices of Southeast Asians and East
Africans. The culture of the country is also influenced by the cultures of the Arabic, Indian,
French, English, and Chinese settlers in the country.
Social Beliefs And Customs In Madagascar
The Malagasy society is made of a small elite and bourgeois class and a large lower class.
A caste system was prevalent in the early Merina society but caste-based discrimination has
gradually diluted with time. Although gender-based differences are also gradually disappearing
from the Malagasy society, a distinct variation in the roles played by the males and females can
still be observed in the country. Men are the primary bread-earners in most families while
women usually are engaged in petty jobs or engage in the role of being a homemaker. However,
female empowerment and education in recent times have encouraged women to diversify their
roles and also enter politics in Madagascar.
Marriages in Madagascar have exhibited a shift from arranged marriages to love
marriages. The marriage customs also vary by ethnic groups. For example, the Betsileos play
great importance to the ancestral history and family background of the potential spouse and once
they are fully satisfied they consult an astrologer to fix a date for the marriage. Marriage among
cousins is not uncommon among the Bara people. These people also sacrifice a cow symbolizing
the establishment of a marriage bond. Polygyny was more common in precolonial age and in
some areas nearly half the men were reported to have married more than once. Divorce is
common in the Malagasy society. Women usually leave their natal homes to live with their
husband either in nuclear families or with the extended family of their spouse. The division of
labor is both age and gender dependent. Women dominate the household sphere while men
handle the professional sphere. Although men and women are entitled to equal inheritance by
law, in practice men inherit the land and household while women inherit jewelry and belongings
of the house. Children in the Malagasy society are taught to respect their elders and learn about
life from them. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 but many children of school-
going years in rural areas drop school to participate in agricultural work in the fields.
Cuisine Of Madagascar
The Malagasy cuisine is based on rice as a staple of the diet and is consumed with nearly
every meal. Rice is served with different types of accompaniments called kabaka which might
have beans, beef, chicken or fish. A broth prepared using green leafy vegetables
called romazava is also often served with rice. The side dishes are either in the fried, boiled,
grilled or cooked form. Tomato-based sauces in the highlands and coconut milk in the coastal
areas are added to the cooked side dishes to enhance the flavor of the dish. Other additives that
are used to add flavor to the kabaka are ginger, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, garlic, onions, and salt.
A variety of condiments are also used to add flavor according to an individual’s taste buds and
are added during a meal rather than while cooking it. These include sakay (made of chilly
peppers) and tangy or sweet fruit pickles. In the arid areas of Madagascar, zebu is reared by the
people and zebu milk is often added to vegetable dishes. Sweet potato, cassava, maize, millet,
yams are the most important types of foods consumed in these arid regions. The different ethnic
groups living in Madagascar have their own food taboos which are either observed at all times or
during special circumstances like pregnancy or lactation.
Clothing Of Madagascar
Dressing styles vary in different regions of Madagascar. A large section of the country’s
urban population follows the western style of dressing. In the highland areas, rural areas, and
remote places of the country, traditional dresses are still worn. Both men and women wear
a lamba, a traditional wrap that is worn around the waist. Women often wear a matching shawl
over the head and shoulders. In the highland regions, both men and women adorn a white wrap
on their shoulders above their garment. Various styles of straw hats are worn in the country that
helps protect the wearers from the strong rays of the sun.
Music Of Madagascar
The musical scene in Madagascar is highly diverse and influenced by the various cultures
that shaped the history of the country. The music of the country belongs to one of the three
categories of traditional, popular, and contemporary music. The traditional music scene exhibits
local variations. Rock, hip-hop, folk rock, jazz are some of the popular music styles that gained
popularity in Madagascar towards the second half of the 20th century. Contemporary-style music
involves a fusion of traditional music with modern instruments. Music is not only played as a
source of entertainment but also has an important role to play in spiritual, cultural, and historical
events and ceremonies. The valiha, a musical instrument made of bamboo reflects the Southeast
Asian origin of a section of the Malagasy people and bears similarities with instruments used in
the Philippines and Indonesia today.
Literature and Arts
Madagascar has a rich oral literary tradition where epic poems like Ibonia,
historical accounts, mythological tales, and legends have been passed down through generations
by word of mouth. The earliest written accounts produced here include information about herbal
medicines and religious rites that were penned down by “wise men" or ombiasy using the Arabic
script called sorabe that was introduced by the Arab sailors. The Europeans were the first to
document the oral history and tradition of Madagascar in the written form. Raombana was the
first Malagasy historian to document Merina history (the history of Madagascar’s largest ethnic
group) in the early 19th century. During the colonial period, literature flourished in Madagascar,
and a number of western-inspired literary works were produced. European style poetry, novels,
journals, etc., were now being written in the country by the Malagasy scholars. The modern day
Malagasy poets and writers promote the use of the Malagasy language and blend it well with the
oral traditions prevalent in the country to produce a wealth of Malagasy literature. A number of
craft forms are practiced in Madagascar. These include silk weaving; weaving of plant materials
to produce mats, baskets, hats, etc.; wood carving; drawn-thread work; embroidery, etc.
Religions And Festivals Of Madagascar
The remaining population of Madagascar is mostly composed of Christians. The religion
spread in the country after the arrival of the Christian missionaries in 1818. The reigning Queen
Ranavalona I did not support the spread of the religion and persecuted the converts but her heir,
Queen Ranavalona II was a strict adherent of Christianity and under her rule, the religion
flourished in Madagascar. Today, most Christians in the country integrate the traditional religion
with modern Christianity and continue to perform ancestral worship. Islam is another religion
practiced by a significant minority in Madagascar. The religion was introduced by the Arabs and
Somali traders in the Middle Ages. The religion, however, failed to spread inland and followers
of Islam are primarily restricted to the Antsiranana and Mahajanga provinces of the country.
About 7% of the population of Madagascar practice Islam. Hinduism has also been introduced in
the country by the Gujarati merchants who settled there for trade.
Christian festivals are celebrated with great pomp and glory in Madagascar. Secular holidays
observed here include the Memorial Day on March 29 in memory of those who sacrificed their
lives in the 1949 French Malagasy War and the Labor Day on the third Thursday in the month of
May. Women rights and freedoms are recognized on the International Women's Day. The
country’s independence from French rule is celebrated on June 26. The Celebration of the Dead,
a day devoted to the ancestors, is observed on November 1.
Sports Arts In Madagascar
Moraingy, an indigenous hand-to-hand combat game is popular in the coastal regions of
Madagascar. Zebu wrestling is also practiced in the rural areas of the country. Fanorona is a
board game that is extremely popular in the highlands of Madagascar. A large number of
Western sports are also played here. Rugby is regarded as the nation’s national sports. Football is
also played here. The French game of Pétanque is played widely in the highlands and urban areas
of Madagascar and the country has even produced a world champion in the game. The country
first competed in the Olympic Games in 1964. Some schools in the country offer to teach a
number of sports like soccer, judo, basketball, tennis, boxing, etc., to the students.
