Where is Madagascar? Republic of Madagascar: history, attractions, interesting facts

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The Republic of Madagascar, whose photos, historical information and main sights are presented in the article, is a truly unique place. It resembles a huge nature reserve. The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and is a natural museum of paleontology. Here you will find huge semi-deserts, where cacti and thorny plants, baobabs grow.

Tourists are attracted by the red-green hills of Madagascar, covered with nepenthes - a plant that feeds on insects. Here you will find many kilometers of beaches and forests filled with exotic flowers. Ravenals and orchids are ubiquitous in Madagascar. Here you will also find waterfalls, geysers and picturesque lakes located in the vents of extinct volcanoes. Madagascar is a unique island-reserve located off the east coast of South Africa, separated from it by the Mozambique Channel. The diversity of local nature will give true pleasuretravelers.

First inhabitants of the island

We invite you to first get acquainted with the history of such an interesting country as the Republic of Madagascar. Interesting facts about this island nation are numerous. We will focus only on the most important events from the history of its settlement.

According to the myths, settlers from Africa were the first inhabitants of Madagascar. They are known as Mikea, or Wazimba Pygmies. According to scientific research, the first inhabitants appeared here in the 2nd-5th centuries. We are talking about representatives of the Austronesian peoples who sailed by canoe to this island. Later, the Bantu tribes arrived here, who preferred the territories located near the water. Austronesian descendants who settled earlier occupied the middle of the island. Around the 10th century, as a result of mixing with the Austronesian population of the African, an original people arose who called themselves Malagasy.

Arabs and Marco Polo

The Arabs arrived in Madagascar in the 7th century, and from that time written evidence began to appear about the island. It is believed that Marco Polo gave the name to Madagascar. In his notes, this traveler mentioned the innumerable treasures that Madeigaskar possesses. However, it is possible that it was about the port of Magadishu, the capital of Somalia, and not about the island at all. Nevertheless, the name stuck and has come down to our days.

Arrival of Europeans

At the turn of the 15th-16th centuries. Europeans arrived on the island. This first happened when the ship of Diogo Dias, a traveler from Italy, veered off course, heading for India. European shipfirst landed on the shores of Madagascar. Since the island had an important position for the spice merchants who circled all over Africa, France and Britain tried to establish their outposts here. However, hostile locals and an inhospitable, disease-prone climate made this task nearly impossible.

Pirates on the island

Since the 17th century, Madagascar has been known as an island paradise for pirates and slave traders. This was due to its convenient location, as well as the fact that there were almost no colonial authorities here. This island was called their second home by such famous pirates as William Kidd, Robert Drury, John Bowen and others. The photo above shows a pirate cemetery (Santa Maria).

Activities of Maurice Benevsky

In 1772, Moritz Benevsky, a Slovak adventurer, came up with a plan for the development of Madagascar. Louis XV supported him in this. In February 1774, Moritz arrived here accompanied by 237 sailors and 21 officers. The natives did not put up active resistance, and almost immediately began the construction of a city called Louisbourg, which became the capital of the island. Local leaders in 1776 elected Benevsky king. However, the French were alarmed by the influence of the Slovak, who had already managed to create an independent militia from local residents. The government stopped helping him. As a result, Benevsky was forced to abandon his plan and return to Paris.

Power on the island in the 19th century

In the 19th century Merina, a state that existed in the mountains and incultural isolation from Madagascar, announced its impact on the entire island. Radama I was declared king in 1818. Until 1896, his dynasty ruled the island. Its last monarch was overthrown by the French, who landed here in 1883.

French protectorate in 1890 enlisted the support of England. However, France for this undertook to recognize the authority of England in Zanzibar and Tanganyika. The native monarchy in 1897 finally lost its power.

20th century in the country's history

After Germany invaded France in 1940, British troops occupied the island. It was they who protected the island of interest to us from Japanese attacks. Germany tried to implement its "Madagascar" plan, according to which 4 million European Jews were to be resettled here.

After the Gaullist part of France seized power in 1943, revolutionary unrest began in Madagascar. In 1947 they turned into an armed struggle for independence. In 1958, France granted independence to its colony, despite the fact that the uprising was crushed. On October 14, 1958, the Autonomous Malagasy Republic was proclaimed, which was under the protectorate of France. After another 2 years, this republic declared its independence. Power was in the hands of the Social Democratic Party, led by Philibert Tsiranana.

In 1972, a political crisis occurred on the island, as a result of which the military, led by General Ramanantsua, gained power. However, on December 31, 1974, the general was removed from his post by his closest supporters. Power was in the hands of the military directory.

Establishment of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar

In 1975, the state of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar appeared. The construction of socialism began on the island. Madagascar undertook to strengthen ties with the Soviet Union. Perestroika in the USSR led to similar processes on the island called Madagascar. The republic restored its multi-party system only in 1990. A demonstration against the government was shot in 1991. Democratization and market reforms began under the presidency of Albert Zafy, who came to power in 1992

In Madagascar on January 31, 2009 there was a rally against the government. As a result, Andrew Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital, declared himself president. This coup was condemned by many countries.

These are the main milestones in the history that the Republic of Madagascar has experienced. Its sights are numerous, in this article we will talk about only some of them.

Outskirts of Antananarivo

The capital of the state, Antananarivo (Tana), is the largest and very interesting city. Quite colorful is the ancient land of Imerina, where the surroundings of the capital are located. Huge rice fields intersperse with uncultivated land to the north, gorges divide the hills, and sacred lakes surround groves of fruit trees.

The outskirts of Antananarivo is the breadbasket of the country, its historical, economic and cultural center. Of great interest to tourists are the ruins of the castle of King Ralambu, related to16th century. They are located on the Ambuhidrabibi hill. The palace and fortress of the king, created in the 18th century, are also noteworthy. You can find them on Ambuhimanga Hill. The zebu market located in Mandrasua (Republic of Madagascar) is very popular. The attractions of the capital region are numerous and varied, you will not be bored here.

The coldest city

Madagascar is a place where you are unlikely to freeze at any time of the year. The weather here is characterized by an abundance of hot sunny days. Thanks to this, many tourists choose to relax in a country such as the Republic of Madagascar. The climate here is humid tropical in the southern part of the island, and in the northern part it is subequatorial. The hottest places are on the northwest coast, where daytime temperatures sometimes reach 35 degrees. Where to hide from this heat? Go to Antsirabe.

Antsirabe thermal resort is a great place to relax. This city is the coldest in the country (average annual temperature is 17 °C). It is also famous for the art of embroiderers. The Art Crafts House located here exports beautiful paintings.

Natural attractions in the Capital Region

In this area, the volcanic lakes Tritriva (pictured below), Tatamarina and Andraikiba, Antafufu waterfalls are also noteworthy. Ambusitra is a picturesque suburban area located along the artificial lake Mantasua. Tourists will certainly be interested in the beautiful lakes of Cavitaha and Itasi, as well as the Perine Nature Reserve.

L'Ancaratra –a picturesque mountain range located southeast of the capital. This is a great place for hiking and outdoor activities. Halfway between the east coast and the capital, in Muramanga, is the Museum of the National Gendarmerie. Dead Lake, one of the wonders of the island, is located next to Antsirabe. This is a small reservoir (about 50 by 100 meters) with almost black water, which is surrounded by granite rocks. About 400 meters is the depth of this crystal clear lake. However, there are practically no living creatures in it, and no one managed to swim across it.

Dam complexes

Dam complexes located on the High Plateau are also very interesting. A dense network of channels permeates the surface of these basins. Here you will find numerous dams, locks and small bridges. The rivers in Madagascar are very deep. They deposit silt in their bed, eroding rocks. As a result, the valleys rise slightly above the level of the surrounding area. In order to contain the rivers, protective dams were built, which, in their engineering solutions and dimensions, are not inferior to the famous Dutch dams. From the outside, they are very similar to the terraced rice fields found in Southeast Asia.

East of Madagascar

East of Madagascar is washed by the Indian Ocean. This part of the island is overgrown with the remains of a forest that previously covered its entire territory. Numerous rivers cross the mountains. The coastal lowland is a narrow strip of plain about 55 km wide, which is bordered on one side by forests, andon the other hand, by the sea. The climate in this area is very humid, it rains almost continuously here. Therefore, unique tropical rainforests have formed in the eastern part of the island. Madagascar is a republic whose animals and plants are a real delight for children and their parents. For those who want to fully enjoy the richness of local nature, the eastern parts of the country are suitable for recreation. Here, for 700 km, from Manakara to Tuamasina, the Pangalan canal stretches, where many fish and birds live. Dozens of species of interesting relic animals inhabit the surrounding forests.

Toamasina

The second largest city on the island, as well as its largest port, is Toamasina (Republic of Madagascar). Tours here are also very popular. In the vicinity of the city you will find many excellent recreational areas, such as the seaside resorts of Mahambu and Manda Beach, the balneological resort of Mahaveluna (Fulpuent). And not far from the coast, in the ocean, lie the islands of Nosy Buraha, Ile aux Prune, Nosy Ilaintsambu, Ile aux Natts, Madame and others. These are beautiful beach resorts in a country like Madagascar.

The Republic of Madagascar is a great place to relax. The island will especially appeal to nature lovers. Madagascar is a republic that in recent years has often been called the "vanilla island". This is not surprising, because the unique flora and fauna are represented here, and guests are greeted by friendly residents. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, feel free to go to Madagascar! The Republic is always glad to tourists.