Island of Madagascar: country and its description. State languages ​​of Madagascar What is Madagascar?

MADAGASCAR, Res-pub-li-ka Ma-da-ga-skar - go-su-dar-st-vo off the south-eastern coast of Af-ri-ki, on the island of Ma-da-ga-skar and the nearby small islands of Nu-si-Be, Nu-si-Bu-ra-ha (Saint-Ma-ri), Bar-ren and others.

Area 587.3 thousand km2. Population 21.28 million (2010). Sto-li-tsa - An-ta-na-na-ri-vu. Official languages ​​- Ma-la-ga-siy-skiy, French-skiy, English-liy-skiy. De-tender food - aria-ri. Administrative-territorial division (since 2009): 22 districts (fa-rit-ra).

Madagascar is a member of the UN (1960), AU (1963, until 2002 OAU), IMF (1963), IBRD (1963), WTO (1995).

Political system

The form of government is the president of the republic.

The head of state is the president, from the bi-paradise by all-common direct government for a period of 5 years (with the right to but re-re-from-bra-niya). According to the representation of a party or a group of parties, the majority party in the National Assembly, the president, knows and replaces the prime minister, and after becoming the next - all other members of the government. The president is the supreme chief of man, he can exercise dative powers but-the-mo-chia, through the st-vom of the Or-do-nan-sov, has the right to disseminate the National Assemble. The most important decisions of the pre-zi-den-ta are formalized in the form of de-re-tov.

The highest body of legislative power is a two-pa-lat par-la-ment. Lower pa-la-ta - National as-samb-lay, from-bi-ra-et-sya with all-common direct go-lo-so-va-ni-em for 5 years. Upper pa-la-ta - Se-nat (2/3 se-na-to-ditch from-bi-ra-yut-sya pro-vin-tsiya-mi, 1/3 na-know-cha-et -sya pre-zi-den-tom). The full term of Se-na-ta is 5 years. Since March 19, 2009, the National Assembly and the Se-nat have been disbanded in connection with the transfer of power in the country to You. -moving ad-mi-ni-stration led by A. Rad-zu-el-ina.

The executive power is exercised by the government headed by the prime minister.

According to the results of the 2007 elections, two parties were represented in the National Assembly: “Tia-ko and Ma-da-ga-si- ka-ra" (“I love Ma-da-ga-skar”) and Eco-no-mic li-be-ra-ism and de-mo-cra-tic action for restoration innovations Ma-da-gas-ka-ra.

Nature

The coastal line (about 5000 km long) is weak. The largest peninsula is Ma-sua-la. Along the eastern coastal pro-tya-gi-va-et-sya there are dunes, from the side of the sea - la-gu-ny, some of which -eat-not-on-artificial ka-na-la-mi; along the western shores there are coral reefs. In the south the coast is high, the places are rich, in the north there are rocks -sturdy, strongly divided, there are several convenient bays here.

Relief

In the eastern and central parts from the north to the south there is a high plateau (the highest altitudes are 800 -1000 m), its surface is divided by tec-technical divisions into separate island volcanic masses - Tsa- ra-ta-na-na (height up to 2876 m, mountains Ma-ru-mu-kut-ru - the highest point of Madagascar), An-d-rin-git-ra (up to 2666 m), An-ka-rat-ra (up to 2642 m) and others. Between the mass-si-va-mi lie vast tectonic depressions, some of them behind-the-lake -mi (for example, Lake Ala-ut-ra), others represent flat lakes-but-al-lu-vi-al-nye and al-lu-vi-al -nye ak-ku-mu-la-tiv-nye equals. There are a lot of out-of-the-fucking vul-ka-news. In the east there is a plateau with two steep slopes to a narrow (10-20 km) seaside ak- ku-mu-la-tiv-noy level, on the other side - step-pe-nya-mi descending (up to 200-500 m) to the low plateaus , place-ta-mi - from-vest-nya-ko-vym (tsing-gi), for which har-rak-ter-ny from-whether you-ra-wives kar -ro-vye-la (for example, pla-Be-ma-ra-ha). Along the coastal Mo-zam-bik-strait there is a wide ak-ku-mu-la-tiv-naya low-menity.

Geo-logical structure and useful resources

The island of Madagascar is composed mainly of crystalline rocks from the early pre-Cambrian period, forming a foundation for Ma-da-ment. ga-skar-sko-go-kra-to-na, which-ry from-to-lol-xia from the Af-ri-kan platform-form-we in the me-zo-zoe at the dis-pas-de the ancient kon-ti-nen-ta of Gon-dva-na and the opening of the Indian Ocean. Shi-ro-ko races-about-countries Ar-hei-gney-sy, mig-ma-ti-you, am-fi-bo-li-you, quar-tsi-you, gran-ni -toi-dy. Green-le-no-ka-men-belts-sa ar-heya, complex-women-mostly am-fi-bo-li-ta-mi, developed in the northern region -not an island and in the extreme south. Kha-rak-ter-ny in-tru-zii gabb-roi-dov and ultra-ra-os-new-genus. Metamorphic rocks of the pro-te-ro-zoe are present in the central part of the island (crystalline schists, quartzes, marbles) mo-ry), as well as in the north-ve-re (me-ta-mor-fi-zed vul-ka-ni-you are the main so-sta-va, ang-li-sty slates). On the back-pas-deux and se-ve-ro-za-pas-deux before the Kem-Briy-sky fun-da-ment is under the os-doch-ny che-hol, for -full deep (6-8 km) deflection. Che-khol includes from the Ka-ru complex of the upper Kar-bo-na - lower Jurassic (ancient ice-ni-ko-vye from -lo-zhe-niya - til-li-you, coal-nosed rocks, con-ti-nen-tal sand-cha-ni-ki, clay-shale- tsy). In certain areas in this region, as well as along the eastern and southern districts of the islands, there are chalk volcanoes -nor-you; there are a number of centers of kai-no-zoy-sko-go vul-kaniz-ma. On the western coastline beyond-le-ga-yut lower-not-juristic-pa-leo-ge-new marine car-bo-nat-no-ter-ri-gene from -lo-zhe-niya. Frequently earth-shaking, many thermal sources.

Madagascar is rich in various useful uses, the most important of which are chro-mi-you (place-ro-zh-de- niya An-ka-zu-tau-la-na, Be-ma-ne-vi-ka in the central part and others), gra-fit (Am-ba-tu-mi-tam-ba in the east -ke and others) and precious stones, of which the largest in-te-res are sap-fi-ry (place- ro-zh-de-niya near Ila-ku-ki, Ma-num-bu, Sa-ka-ra-hi - in the southwestern part; near Ra-nu-tsara - in the southern part), ru-bi-ny (near Andi-la-men-ny in the northern part, Wa-tu-man-d-ri on the eastern coast), colored tur-ma-li-ny (place-sto-ro-zh-de-nie Ala-tsi-nai-ni-Ibi-ti, near An-tsi-ra-be, and also near Nan-di-hi-za-well, to the sun -to-ku from An-ta-na-na-ri-vu), izum-ru-dy (near Ma-nand-za-ri, on the eastern coast), as well as am-ti- sty, gra-na-you, kor-die-rit, dan-bu-rit, kun-tsit, tsit-rin. There are places of co-balt-ni-ke-le-vyh ores (Am-ba-tu-vi in ​​the eastern part and others), copper ores and metal-loving pla-ti-no-voy group (Lun-du-ku-ma-na-na in the central part), bok-si-tov (Ma-nan-te-ni-na on south-east-ke and others), as well as ura-na ores, iron ores, gold, rare metals. The main reasons for this are connected with the ros-sy-py-mi il-me-ni-ta in the dunes of the eastern coastline, co-der-zha- shchi-mi also cir-kon, ru-til, mo-na-tsit (place-sto-ro-zh-de-nie Man-de-na to the se-ve-ru from Tau-la-na-ru and others). From the known places of ka-men-noy so-li (in the north-ve-re, near Am-band-zy), gypsum-sa, kao-li-na, on-le-spars, ba-ri-ta, mica (mus-co-vit and flo-go-pit), construction (from-lime-ki, mar-mo- ry and others) and de-loch-nyh (agate, lab-ra-do-rit, ama-zonite, rho-do-nit, pink quartz, jasper-ma) stones. In the western part of Madagascar, you have discovered places of ka-men-no-go coal, bi-tu-mi-noz-nyh dogs-cha-ni- cov. The western shelf of the island and individual depressions on the coastal perimeter of the oil-te-ga-zo-nos-ny.

Climate

In the northern part of Madagascar (up to about 20° south latitude) the climate is su-be-k-va-to-ri-al-ny. In the east, on the coastal lowlands, the average temperature of the warmest month (February) is 26 °C, sa -my cold month (August) 20-21 °C. The average amount of precipitation is 2500-3500 mm, on the Ma-sua-la peninsula up to 6000 mm. In those years, there was some decrease in precipitation in September and October, in the rest of the months you are more than 150 mm. On the western coast, air temperatures are also high, but the amount of precipitation decreases to 1000-1100 mm in year, from Nov-Nov to April clearly you-ra-zhen season until-zh-day. In the southern part of the island the climate is tropical; on the eastern coast it is hot and humid (precipitation 1200-1500 mm per year), on the western coast it is hot and dry (400-500 mm per year). Average temperatures in January in the city of Tu-liara are 27.6 °C, in July 21 °C. On the highland, average monthly air temperatures range from 13 to 20 °C (in winter, sometimes there are slight frosts). ki), precipitation from 1000 to 1500 mm per year; The wet season lasts from October to April. In the eastern part of the island, floods often occur, caused by heavy rainfall, sieges and floods. there are no tropical cyclones (usually in January - March). In the back and in the central part there is no need for za-su-khi.

Inland waters

Most of the territory of Madagascar is covered by a dense network of many water rivers. On the eastern islands the rivers are short, but thin and full of water, especially after rainfall , in the background they are not many, but longer, full of water in the summer (November-April) and lo-water winter; the largest of them are Su-fia, Be-tsi-bu-ka, Ma-ha-va-vi, Man-gu-ki, Uni-la-hi. In the south-pas-de-deux of the winter river there are pe-re-sy-ha-yut. Su-do-khod-ny are only es-tua-rii of the largest rivers. My most significant lake is Ala-ut-ra - shallow. Every year, new water resources are 337 km3 (of which 332 km3 are river water resources), water supply - density 19.9 thousand m3/person per year. The annual water intake is about 15 km3, of which almost the entire volume (95.6%) is used in agriculture, 2.8% is used they rely on the water supply, 1.6% are required by industrial enterprises.

Soil, plant and animal world

On the eastern slopes of the plateaus there are red-yellow fer-ral-lite soils, in the valleys and along -no-yah - yellow ferrallite and peaty soils. In the central parts of the plateau there are pre-la-da-mountainous red fer-ral lithic soils, in the tectonic depressions there are hydro- morphic dark-colored merged soils. On volcanic rocks, fertile black soils develop. On the western coast - brown-not-red la-te-ri-zo-van-nye, on the south-west - red-brown soil -You. Distribution of soil erosion, including strong and very strong de-gra-di-ro-vanity of 70% of all soils of the rest ro-va.

About 1/5 ter-ri-to-rii for-nya-le-sa-mi. On the eastern slopes you-s-of-the-places were kept-a-hundred-yang-but-moist eternal-green-su-be-k-va- to-ri-al-nye mountain forests; pre-about-la-da-yut se-mei-st-va bur-ze-ro-vykh (ka-na-ri-um), bo-bo-vykh (dal-berg-giya), ebe-no- vykh (di-os-pi-ros) and others, chef-fle-ra and vane-mania. In the forests there are many pan-da-nu-owls, bam-bu-kovs and li-an-epi-fi-tov. In the central part of the country at an altitude of 1000-1500 m, in the place of forests, there are secondary sa-baths (behind the bo- more than 1/2 the area of ​​the island) with ari-sti-da and low-ko-ros-ly-mi kus-tar-ni-ka-mi, which arose in the re-zul-ta-te long-tel-no-go and in-ten-siv-no-go an-tro-po-gen-no-go impact-st-viya. In the ancient spring tier there are pre-ob-la-da-yut in-tro-du-tsi-ro-van-nye species of aca-tion and ev-ka-lip-ta. Among the en-de-mi-kovs of these districts are fire-resistant species: bis-mar-kiya blah-rod-naya, ma-da-ga-skar-skaya ra- ve-na-la (chas na-zy-vae-may “de-re-vom pu-te-she-st-ven-ni-kov”) and ua-pa-ka. In the western part of the island, small masses of seasonally moist foxes were stored in the su-be-k-va -to-ri-al-nyh and tropical forests, in the extreme south-west of the pas-de-de and south - dry fox-fall forests and sparse-forests this. In some areas in the south, there are dry red-ko-le-syas with pre-ob-la-da-ni-em sap-rko-le-ny and can-de-lyab-ro- prominent mo-lo-cha-ev, there are also en-de-mich-ny species of aloe and ka-lan-choe. On high volcanic massifs there is high-altitude clarity: humid ever-green forests (up to a height of 800 m ), sub-humid forests (up to 1800 m), sclero-fil-forests (up to 2000 m), above the forests they are replaced by overgrowth -la-mi ve-re-schat-ni-kov.

In terms of the level of biological diversity, Madagascar is one of the leading places in the world. In the composition of the flora, there are over 9,500 species of so-su-di-sty plants (of which, under the threat of extinction, no-ve-niya 162 views); the greatest time-but-about-ra-zi-em and you-so-do-lei en-de-miz-ma ha-rak-te-ri-zu-yut-sya wet su- be-k-va-to-ri-al-nye forests of the Ma-sua-la peninsula and the low-men-no-sti adjacent to it.

The living world of Madagascar from the Ma-da-ga-skar zoo-ge-og-ra-fi-ches-koy region. There are known to be over 140 species of mammals (of which more than 1/3 of the species are under threat of extinction) ve-niya), you-so-ka do-la en-de-mi-kov. The most ha-rak-ter-nye pre-sta-vi-te-fau-ns are the lowest prima-ma-you (hand-knives, hair-lo-sa-to- ear le-mu-ry, va-ri, in-d-ri), ten-re-ki (from na-se-ko-mo-yad-nyh). Predatory creatures are vi-ver-ra-mi (man-gu-sta, or their-nev-mon; fos-sa). There are over 170 species of nesting birds (27 species are under the threat of extinction) nia). Presentation-le-ny green-po-gu-gai, bright-red-kar-di-na-ly, blue go-lu-bi, tse-sar-ki, sul- Tan-skaya ku-roch-ka and others, among the en-de-mi-kov - ma-da-ga-skar snake-poison and ma-da-ga-skar-skaya si-pu-ha. More than 380 species of pre-repentant ones, there are ha-me-le-o-ns, gek-ko-ns, igua-ns, uda-you, crowns ko-di-ly. There are few freshwater fish species (no more than 16 species). Gigantic che-re-pa-hi (at least 12 species), large le-mu-ry and bird epi-or-nis is-required. The main reasons that threaten the reduction of the biological diversity of the islands are agricultural use of the territory, as well as the heats involved in connection with the growth of ne-le -gal-nyh forests-for-go-vok in all areas of the island.

Oh-ra-native natural territories account for 3.1% of the country's area. The best-known of them are for-by-ved-ni-ki Tsing-gi-du-Be-ma-ra-ha, Tsa-ra-ta-na-na, Za-ha- me-na, An-du-ha-he-lu, An-d-rin-git-ra, national parks Isa-lu, Am-bu-hit-ra. The list of the All-world-on-the-next includes moist tropical forests Atsi-na-na-ny (volume-di-ne-ny in 6 oh -ra-nya-myh ter-ri-to-riy in the east of Madagascar) and from the West-nya-ko-vy massif Tsing-gi-du-Be-ma-ra-ha.

Additional literature:

Madagascar. M., 1990 (Zolo-toy fund of the bio-sphere).

Population

The majority of the population in Madagascar (96.1%) is made up of ma-la-ga-siy-tsy. Ban-tuya-zych-nye ma-kua na-sch-you-va-yut 1.1%; The French also live (0.6%), the Cre-o-ly-re-yun-on-tsy (0.4%), the Gud-zha-rat-tsy ( 0.3%), Chinese-Tai-Tsy (0.2%), Arab-Ye-Men-Tsy (0.2%), Ko-Mor-Tsy (0.1%), Ma-Lai- tsy (0.1%).

The population of Madagascar grew 4.4 times between 1950 and 2009 (4.4 million people in 1951; 7.6 million people in 1972; 10.0 million people in 1985; 14.2 million people in 1998; 18.9 million people in 2008). The main factor in the rapid growth of the village (3% in 2009) is the high birth rate (35.3 per 1000 inhabitants in 2009 year) with a relatively low mortality rate (8.9 per 1000 inhabitants). The fer-til-no-sti indicator is 4.6 children per 1 woman (2009); The infant mortality rate is high - 54.2 per 1000 live-days. The country is young - the average age is 19.6 years. In the age structure, the share of children (up to 15 years) is 43.5%, persons of working age are distributed those (15-64 years old) - 53.5%, people 65 years old and older - 3%. Average life expectancy is 62.9 years (men - 60.9 years, women - 64.9 years ). For every 100 women, there are 99 men (2009).

Average population density 32.5 people/km2 (2009); The most densely-but behind the villages is the central part of the island of Ma-da-ga-skar (mainly around the capital of An-ta-na-na- ri-vu), the least - the western coastal plains and southern desert areas (up to 1-2 people / km2). 29.8% of the population lives in cities (2009). The largest city (thousands of people, 2009) is An-ta-na-na-ri-vu (1612.6); other large cities: Tua-ma-si-na (219.7), An-tsi-ra-be (192.5), Fia-na-ran-tsua (179.3), Ma -had-zan-ga (162.8), Tu-lia-ra (120.8).

Eco-no-mi-che-ski active population 9.7 million people (2009). About 80% of workers are in agriculture. The unemployment rate is about 35% (2007); Over 60% of the country's population lives below the poverty line (2005).

Religion

About 48% of the villages of Madagascar are Christians, including about 26%, who represent tes-tant-skih de-no-mi-na-tions (pre-svi-te-ria-ne, kon-gree-ga-tsio-na-li-sty, eng-li-ka-ne, lu-te -ra-not and others) - about 22%; mu-sul-ma-ne-sun-ni-you - about 6%; women who believe in traditional beliefs - about 46% (2006, estimate).

Acting st-vu-yut 4 mi-tro-po-lii and 16 dio-ts-zes of the Roman-Catholic Church, 1 diocese of Alek-san-d-riy-skoy pra- in the glorious church. The largest pro-test-tant-or-ga-ni-za-tions: pre-svi-te-ri-an-sko-kon-gree-tsio-na-li-st Church Christ in Madagascar (os-no-va-na in 1968), Ma-la-ga-siy-skaya Lu-te-ran-skaya church (os-no-va-na in 1950) and 5 English-li-kan dio-tse-zov (in association with the Church of the province of the Indian Ocean, founded in 1973).

Is-to-ri-che-sky essay

Ma-da-ga-skar before ob-re-te-niya ne-za-vi-si-mo-sti.

According to the archeo-logical data, in et-no-ge-ne-ze ma-la-ga-siy-tsev, from the middle of the 1st millennium BC , students come from Southeast and Central Asia, Eastern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Form-mi-ro-va-nie of one ma-la-ga-siy-sko-go na-ro-da, representing 18 main ethnic groups , came to an end by the 16th century. In the XIV-XV centuries, a state education arose on the high plateau of the me-ri-na - Ime-ri-na; in the 16th-17th centuries, on the western coast, the people of Sa-ka-la-va created the city-su-dar-st-va Bui-na and Me-na-be; in the 17th-18th centuries, state institutions of the people of be-tsi-leu (in the central part of the island), be-tsi-mi-sa, were formed -ra-ka (in the eastern coast), an-tai-mu-ru (in the south-eastern coast of Madagascar). By the end of the 18th century, almost the entire island was united under the rule of the rulers of the Imerina An-d-ria-nam-pui-ni -me-ri-ny (1787-1810) and his son Ra-da-ma I (1810-1828), who became king of Madagascar in 1818 ( Ma-la-ga-siy-ko-go-lion-st-va).

Europeans appeared in Madagascar in the very beginning of the 16th century. In 1500, the Port-Tugal detachment of D. Dia-sha settled here. In 1643, on the southern coastal island, the French trading factory Fort-Dau-fin (now not Tau-la) was founded -na-ru), the French penetration into the interior regions has begun. In the fight against the French, the rulers of Madagascar more than once turned to Ve-li-co-brie for help -ta-nii, also striving to establish control over the island.

In 1883, France declared war on Ma-la-ga-siy-ko-lion-st-vu. In the battle of Fa-ra-fa-te (near the city of Ta-ma-ta-ve) in September 1885, the Ma-la-ga-si-army defeated the French forces, od -on-the general military supremacy of France for-sta-vi-lo ko-ro-le-vu of Madagascar agree-to under-pi-sa-nie world According to his conditions, all external dreams of the co-ro-lev-st-va were transferred to the jurisdiction of the French re-si-den-ta , you-cry-wa-was og-rum-naya kon-tri-bu-tion. In 1890, Ve-li-ko-bri-ta-nia recognized the rights of France to Madagascar (in exchange for its renunciation of claims to the island of Zanzi -bar). As a result of the 2nd French War of 1894-1895, a French pro-tek was established over the island. to-rat. In June 1896, the French par-la-ment declared Madagascar co-lo-ni-ey. Attempting the French call to get back on the island, we met a stubborn co-opposition of the place on the island -le-niya (the movement of me-na-lam-ba in 1895-1897, the restoration of sa-ka-la-va in 1897-1900 and others).

In 1897, the administration of Madagascar was entrusted to the French governor-general. As the plantation economy has developed, ex-port cultures have begun to emerge: coffee, va-nil, gvoz-di-ka, ta-bak and others.

After the First World War, the rise of the nationalist movement began in Madagascar. In May 1929, a mass de-mon-st-ra-tion was held in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu, to which for the first time you moved Well, there's a lot of talk about the non-existence of Madagascar. In 1946, Madagascar was granted the status of overseas territory of France within the framework of the French Union (since 1958, the French Union). va), its inhabitants received the right to the French state and the right to representation in par-la-men -those of France. Did the first political parties of the Ma-la-ga-siy-tsev emerge: De-mo-kra-tic movement for the Ma-la-ga-siy-voz- ro-zh-de-nie (MDRM; founded in 1946), Party of the Dispossessed Ma-da-ga-ska-ra (PADESM; 1946); So-ci-al-de-mo-kra-tichesky party of Ma-da-gascara (SDP; 1956), you-fell for the non-vis-si-most of Madagascar under the co-hra -not having close ties with France. In 1958, as a result of the merger of 6 parties of the left wing of the national-general movement, a party was created Tia kon-gres-sa ne-za-vi-si-mo-sti Ma-da-ga-ska-ra (AKFM), which is tr-bo-va-la full of no-za-vi -si-mo-sti of Madagascar, li-k-vi-da-tion of French military bases on the territory of the island, am-ni-stii re-press-si-ro-van -the activities of the national-general movement.

At the end of March 1947, in the eastern provinces of Madagascar, an armed advance of the Ma-la-ga-siy-tsev began under the lo-zun- ga-mi pre-dos-tav-le-niya island-ro-vu sa-mo-governance-le-niya. The re-emergence was hard-pressed by the authorities. In the 1950s, the national-general movement led trade union organizations (in 1956, the di-not-us in the Fe-de-ra-tion of the trade-union-call of the workers of Madagascar), the initiations-of the pro-ve-de-nie of the masses for -bass-vok in many cities of the island. On October 14, 1958, Madagascar was declared a republic within the framework of the French Society. SDP leader F. Tsi-ra-na-na became its president and chairman of the Council of Mi-ni-st-rov. April 29, 1959 pri-nya-ta kon-sti-tu-tsiya Ma-da-ga-ska-ra.

Ma-da-ga-scar since 1960.

On June 26, 1960, there was a pro-voz-gla-she-na not-for-vi-si-may Ma-la-ga-siy-skaya Res-pub-li-ka (until 1973 in co-sta- ve French society). In April 1960, F. Tsi-ra-na-na signed a number of agreements about cooperation with France, which is it possible to intervene in the internal affairs of Madagascar? During the period of the “First Republic of Publication” (1960-1972), the eco-no-mi-ka of Madagascar developed at a slow pace. mi, mainly due to the attraction of foreign ka-pi-ta-la. On May 18, 1972, in the conditions of a deep economic and social-ci-al-no-po-lytic crisis, you were the president -Well, let's announce the launch of the government and transfer power to General G. Ra-ma-nan-tsua.

Pra-vi-tel-st-vo G. Ra-ma-nan-tsua per-re-look-re-lo unequal-right French-co-ma-la-ga-siy-skie -Chapter of 1960 and under-pi-sa-lo in June 1973, new do-go-ry, according to which there were any-to-vi- in Madagascar di-ro-va-ny French military bases, from the territory of the island you brought French troops. Ra-ma-nan-tsua og-ra-ni-chil activity of foreign ka-pi-ta-la, ini-tio-ro-val exit of Madagascar from the “French zone”. Po-li-ti-ka Ra-ma-nan-tsua you-la-la not-will-st-of circles, ori-en-ti-ro-va-shih-sya for co-work nothing with France, and foreign companies. In February 1975, after the suppression of the military regime, power in the country passed to the National Committee of the Military Directorate. On June 15, 1975, the di-rek-to-ria of the new head of state D. Ra-tsi-ra-ku.

On re-fe-ren-du-me on December 21, 1975, D. Ra-tsi-ra-ka was established as the pre-zi-den of the country. Then where would the new constitution of Madagascar be approved (the country's name is De-mo-kra-ticheskaya Res-pub-li-ka Ma -da-ga-skar) and long-term program of social-ci-al-no-eco-no-mic pre-ob-ra-zo-va-niy - Charter ma- la-ga-siy-skaya so-tsia-li-stistic re-vo-lu-tion, which is the pre-do-smat-ri-va-la na-tsio-na-li-za-tion of the main means of production, banks and insurance companies, the introduction of a state monopoly on foreign trade, co-pe-ri-ro- Va-nie of agriculture. In subsequent years, the management of the “Second Res-pub-li-ki” implemented the st-v-la-lo practically -the same Charter. In December 1976, all political parties were united in the National Front for the Defense of Revolution. In 1982 and 1989, Ra-tsi-ra-ka was transferred to the presidential post.

A sharp deterioration in the economic situation of the country, including as a result of the fall in prices for ex-port crops, obu-slo-vi-lo in 1986, the refusal of the government of Madagascar from pro-voz-gla-shen-no-go in the Charter of the course of so-ci-al-no- economic development. In October 1991, under the op-po-si-tion of D. Ra-tsi-ra-ka, he was actually removed from power. In 1992, a new constitution was adopted (the country was named Res-pub-li-ka Ma-da-ga-skar), for- strengthening the par-la-ment form of government. At the presidential elections on November 25, 1992, A. Zafi won. Following the re-co-men-da-tsi-yams of the IMF and the World Bank, Za-fi took a number of steps to get the eco-no-mi-ki, which, one-on-one, did not lead to the sta-bi-li-za-tion of the internal-ri-po-li-tic si-tua-tion. At the end of July 1996, Za-fi was removed from his post as a result of im-pich-men. The presidential elections on December 29, 1996 brought Ra-tsi-ra-ke. In 1998, the presidential powers of the races, pro-wines were included in the constitution of Madagascar -tions of Madagascar po-lu-chi-li av-to-no-miyu.

According to the results of the 1st round of presidential elections on December 16, 2001, the mayor of the city received the majority of votes persons of Madagascar - M. Ra-va-lu-ma-na-na (46.21%), who stood against the pro-ve-de-niya of the 2nd tu- ra you-bo-row. In Ata-na-na-ri-vu there was a clash between two can- didates. On February 22, 2002, D. Ra-tsi-ra-ka introduced an emergency regulation. On May 6, 2002, based on the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the President of Madagascar announced Ra-va-lu-ma -na-na.

In December 2006, M. Ra-va-lu-ma-na-na was re-elected to the post of pre-zi-den-ta. In September 2007, at the parliamentary elections, his party “Tia-ko and Ma-da-ga-si-ka-ra” (TIM) won the victory. ). In 2007, you came to the right to the constitution, before the transition to the new administrative-territorial de-le -niyu, pre-do-s-tav-le-nie pre-zi-den-tu up-to-pol-no-po-chiy, introduction of the English language into the quality of the third official language.

In the re-zul-ta-te re-re-vo-ro-ta on March 17, 2009, the former mayor of An-ta-na-na-ri-vu and the leader of the op-po-zi came to power -tions of A. Rad-zu-eli-na. He came out with a promise to establish the internal political situation in the country and ensure -de-tion of de-mo-kra-tiche-choices. August 8, 2009 Rad-zue-li-na and the former presidents of Madagascar - M. Ra-va-lu-ma-na-na, D. Ra-tsi-ra-ka and A. Za- fi - under-pi-sa-li-li-tical agreement about the principles of the preo-do-le-niya of the internal-ri-po-li-tic crisis in the res -pub-li-ke. In December 2010, the new Constitution of Madagascar was adopted.

Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Madagascar on September 29, 1972. Eco-no-mi-che-skie and trade-go-vye from-no-she-niya re-gu-li-ru-ut-sya between-prav-vi-tel-st-ven-ny-mi so- Gla-she-ni-mi 1974 and 1975. The to-va-ro-o-rot between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Publ-li-koy Ma-da-ga-skar in 2008 amounted to 1.8 million US dollars.

Additional literature:

Bar-di-na Yu.Ya. Malagasy Republic. M., 1972;

Boiteau P. Contribution à l’histoire de la nation malgache. P., 1982;

De-mo-kra-ti-che-skaya Res-pub-li-ka Ma-da-ga-skar. M., 1985;

Covell M. Madagascar: Politics, econo-mics and society. L.; N.Y., 1987;

Rajoelina P. Quarante années de la vie politique de Madagascar. P., 1988; idem. Historical dictionary of Madagascar. 2nd ed. Lanham, 2005;

Ravaloson J. Transition démocratique à Madagascar. P., 1994;

Ranaivoson D. Madagascar: diction-naire des personnalités historiques. P., 2005;

Farm

Madagascar is one of the least developed agricultural countries in the world; the main part of the village depends on tre-bi-tel-skogo agriculture. Export of agricultural crops provides 70% of the foreign exchange rates. GDP volume is 20.73 billion dollars (according to the pa-ri-te-tu of the ku-pa-tel-noy ability, 2010), in terms of per capita per capita -se-le-niya 1000 dollars; real GDP growth of 1.5% (2010). Human Development Index 0.435 (2010; 135th place among 169 countries of the world). In the structure of GDP in the service sector (optional and retail trade, public and financial sectors, inter-regional -folk tourism) accounts for 56.8%, agriculture - 26.5%, industry and construction - 16.7% (2010).

In the 1st half of the 20th century, plantation agriculture began to develop. Since the middle of the 20th century, with the participation of American companies, the development of mineral resources used in nuclear energy began. ge-ti-ke (gra-fit, chro-mi-you, mica-dy). In the 1970s, the public sector was created, under the control of some financial institutions, up to 1/3 of industrial enterprises, external trade operations; pro-ve-de-ny: ag-rar-naya re-for-ma, na-tsio-na-li-za-tion of land, co-pe-ri-ro-va-nie of economy. Since the 1980s, the implementation of eco-no-mi-ki, the implementation of its main sections to-ditch At the beginning of the 21st century, the economic development of the country is limited by political instability, rapid growth in all -le-nia and from-the-sta-lay structure of the house. Madagascar receives economic assistance from France, other EU countries, Canada, the USA, Japan and international organizations for-tion.

Industry

Madagascar ras-po-la-ga-et for-pa-sa-mi bi-tu-mi-noz-nyh oil-ty-ty-dy-s. Up to a quarter (about 5 thousand tons in 2007) is produced in the basin of the Mu-run-da-va river by the Ma-dagascar Oil company (with the participation of of foreign private in-ve-stations) and the French “Total”. Madagascar produces oil (about 800 thousand tons in 2005). The oil-te-pe-re-ra-ba-you-working plant operates in Tua-ma-si-ne (capacity 540 thousand tons of crude oil per year ).

In the structure of energy demand, there is pre-ob-la-y-e-th of wood (including for household purposes) lei). Electricity production 935 million kWh (2007). Madagascar has significant hydro-energy-go-re-sur-sa-mi; about 60% of the electricity you generate is at 7 hydroelectric power stations.

The production of mineral raw materials, providing about 2-4% of GDP, is a significant source of ex-port st-p-le-niy. The most important thing is graph-fi-ta, chro-mit-tov and flo-go-pi-to-vy micas. In small volumes, there are also tan-ta-lit, mo-na-tsit, and jewelry stones.

The industry is developing weakly (providing about 10% of GDP). About the production of the sector comes to the food industry and the primary processing of agricultural raw materials (grains, coffee and others; mainly in small enterprises of kus-tar-no-go and semi-kus-tar-no-go ti- pa). The main production centers: sa-ha-ra - Mu-run-da-va, Ma-had-zan-ga; mu-ki - Tua-ma-si-na; pal-mo-vo-go and so-evo-go mas-la - An-tsi-ra-be and Tua-ma-si-na; meat preserves - Ma-had-zan-ga; ta-bach-nyh from-de-liy - An-ta-na-na-ri-vu and An-tsi-ra-be. The same goes for the production of beer and alcohol-free drinks. Tech-stylish enterprises are located in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu and An-tsi-ra-be, sewing production and manufacturing -le-nie shoes-vi - in the An-ta-na-na-ri-vu area. Su-do-construction and su-do-re-montage plant (An-tse-ra-na-na); production of soap-la (An-tse-ra-na-na, Ma-had-zan-ga, Tu-lia-ra), small-sized metal-lo-o-ra-ba-you -vayu-shchie (Tua-ma-si-na) and la-ko-kra-juicy (An-tse-ra-na-na) enterprises, production of construction materials ria-lov (Ma-had-zan-ga).

Agriculture

The production of agricultural products is predominantly on-the-road and semi-on-the-road; so-keep-s-s-sec-but-og-not-howl-le-de-lie. Commodity products (including ex-port) are produced by about 1/3 of peasant farms. The main basis of ag-rar-nyh from-no-she-niy is community ownership of land. Own production does not provide the required food supply.

5% of the country's territory is covered (2.94 million hectares, about 1/3 of which are irrigated lands). Main ex-port crops (harvest, thousand tons, 2008): coffee 67 (you grow mainly on the eastern and northwestern coast ), gvoz-di-ka 10, va-nil 2.8 (on se-ve-ro-vo-to-ke); among others - sa-khar-ny tro-st-nik 2600 and ara-his 42 (on the western coast and Vy-so-kom pla-to). Until the 1990s, Madagascar was the largest pro-iz-vo-di-te-lem and ex-port-to-rum va-ni-li and gvoz-di-ki, then us-tu- drank li-der-st-vo In-do-ne-zia.

The main food crop is rice (collection of 3 million tons, 2008; for about 1/2 of the total amount of land), on someone comes near po-lo-vi-ny ra-tsio-na pi-ta-niya ma-la-ga-siy-tsev. Other food crops (collection, thousand tons, 2007): ma-ni-ok 2400, sweet potato 870, ku-ku-ru-za 500, vegetables 290, ba-na-ny 290, kar-to-fel 225, man-go 210, club-ni ta-ro 200. Pro-liberal cult-tu-ry you-ra-schi-va-yut-sya almost all the time.

Life is low, most common in the western and central regions. Once (million heads, beginning of the 21st century): zebu and other large cattle (about 10), pigs (1.6), goats (1.3) , sheep (0.75), domestic poultry.

Development of fishing (including in inland waters) and availability of sea-re-products (cre-ve-tok, kra- bov, oysters, lan-gu-stov). The total catch is over 160 thousand tons per year (2007). For-go-to-dre-ve-si-ny, mainly to the ex-port.

Transport

The main types of transport port are car and sea. The total length of the road is 65.7 thousand km, of which 7.6 thousand km are covered with hard smoke (2003). The highest density of the road network is in the central and eastern regions of the country. The main ex-port ports are Tua-ma-si-na, An-tse-ra-na-na, Ma-nand-za-ri, also used by Tu- lia-ra, Ma-had-zan-ga, Tau-la-na-ru. There is no unified railway network. The northern segment of the railway roads connects An-ta-na-na-ri-vu with Tua-ma-sina and An-tsi-ra-be (also vet-ka Mu-ra-man-ga - Am-ba-tun-d-ra-za-ka); in the south - line Fia-na-ran-tsua - Ma-na-ka-ra. The total length of railway roads is 854 km (2008); There are also 151 km of narrow roads of local significance. Inter-people's airport Iva-tu (near An-ta-na-na-ri-vu).

International trade

Sal-do external-not-tor-go-vo-go ba-lan-sa country from-ri-tsa-tel-noe. The cost of the ex-port is 1,412 million dollars, the import - 1,958 million dollars (2010). The main articles of the ex-port: coffee, va-nil, gvoz-di-ka, mo-re-pro-duk-you, clothes-yes, chrome-mi-you, oil-te- products. The main imports of goods from Madagascar (% of value, 2009): France 28.9, USA 20.5, Germany 5.9, China 4.4 , Italy 3.0. The most important articles of the port: machinery and equipment, oil and oil-products, tre-bi-tel- Chinese to-va-ry, pro-vol-st-vie. Main prices for goods (% of cost, 2009): China 13.0, Thailand 12.0, Bahrain 7.1, France 6.9 , USA 4.1.

Additional literature:

Ma-da-ga-skar: reference book. . M., 2005;

Madagascar action plan 2007-2012: a bold and exciting plan for rapid development. Antananarivo, 2006.

Armed forces

The Armed Forces (AF) number 13.5 thousand people (2009) and consist of Sukhoi Forces (SV), Air Force and Navy; In addition, there are militarized formations - the Zhan-Dar-Meriya (8.1 thousand people). Military annual budget 99 million dollars (2008).

The supreme chief of the state is the head of the state-dar-st-va - the president, the imple- ment The leading leadership of the Armed Forces through the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff.

SV (over 12.5 thousand people) is the main force of the Armed Forces. The combat strength of the ground forces includes 2 battalion groups and 1 engineering regiment. The Army's army has 12 amphibious tanks, over 70 armored personnel carriers, about 30 armored personnel carriers and the like, 17 guns on the left art-til-le-rii, 8 mi-no-metov, anti-aircraft artillery and arrow systems. Air Force (500 people) or-ga-ni-za-tsi-on-but sve-de-ny in es-kad-ri-ly (military-en-no-trans-port-nuyu, communications, training) new and high-flying). There are no combat weapons. The Air Force has over 10 military transport and communication aircraft, 4 training aircraft mo-lyo-ta, 5 helicopters. The naval force of the Navy (500 people, including about 100 in the Marine Corps) includes 1 patrol rudder ship, 6 patrol rudder ships -nyh ships, 1 de-sant ship, 3 buk-si-ra. The main points of ba-zi-ro-va-niya are An-tse-ra-na-na, Tu-lia-ra.

The aircraft set-up is carried out upon request, the service life is 18 months. The officer and sergeant team mostly work abroad. Mobilization resources amount to 3.8 million people, including 2.2 million people fit for military service.

Health

In Madagascar, per 100 thousand inhabitants there are 30 doctors, 30 paramedical personnel and aku-she-rock, 10 pharma-tsev-tov, 1 hundred-ma- to-log (2005). General expenditures on health care amount to 3.2% of GDP (budgetary fi-nan-si-ro-va-nie - 62.5%, private sector - 37.5%) (2006). Legal re-gu-li-ro-va-nie of the health-care system of implementation: Constitution ( 2010); Labor Code (2003); December: about the working conditions of children, women and pregnant women (1962), about medical assistance in production (2003 year); Charter on environmental protection (1998). The health care system includes three levels of free medical care - local, district ny and na-tsional-ny (uni-ver-si-tet-skie kli-ni-ki). Every province has a central pain, am-bu-la-to-rii, medical centers and health centers ma-te-rin-st -va. The biggest pains are the clinic of Be-fe-lat-na-na and the pain of For-ta-Do-fi-na. The most widespread infections: bac-te-ri-al-naya and amoebic di-zen-the-riya, hepatitis A, typhus, he-mor-ra-gic li-ho-rad-ka chi-kun-gu-nya, ma-la-ria, shis-to-so-ma-toz (2009). The main causes of death: bron-ho-ho-ho-goch-nye diseases, ma-l-aria, dia-rhea, so-so-su-dov headaches -th brain (2006). Ku-ror-you: An-dua-ni, An-tsi-ra-be.

Sport

The Olympic Committee of Madagascar was founded in 1963, recognized by the IOC in 1964. Sportsmen from Madagascar participated in the Olympic Games (de-bu-ti-ro-va-li in To-Kyo, 1964) and one of the Olympic Winter Games (Turin, 2006); there are no prizes for places. About the development of physical culture and debate for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The most popular types of sports: ve-lo-si-ped-ny, judo, lightweight at-le-ti-ka, tennis, dai- wing and others. There are 60 tennis clubs, 300 outdoor courts, and 4 indoors in Madagascar. Since 1997, the women's team of Madagascar's ten-ni-su team has been participating in competitions at Ku-bok Fe-de -ra-tions. One of the oldest national federations is football (founded in 1961, in FIFA since 1962). In 2008, the multi-functional National Palace of Culture and Sports was opened in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu.

Additional literature:

Par-sons J. Big en-cyclo-pedia ten-ni-sa / With the participation of G. Won-ke. M., 2008.

Education. Education of science and culture

Re-form-ma ob-ra-zo-va-niya, on-cha-taya in 2003, op-re-de-li-la structure-tu-ru system-te-we ob-ra-zo-va -nia: pre-school education, 7-year-old primary education, 4-year-old junior high school her and 3-year full secondary education, primary vocational education on the basis of a primary school , secondary vocational education on the basis of a full secondary school, higher education. Pre-school education oh-va-che-but 8% of children, primary education - 98%, avg. -nim - 21%. The literacy rate of the population over 15 years old is 62.3% (2007, data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics). The main universities, scientific institutions, libraries and museums are located in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu, in including the Ma-la-ga-siy-skaya Academy of Sciences (since 1902), the National Archives (since 1958), and the National Library (1961). In 1988, branches of the University of Madagascar in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu in the cities of An-tse-ra-na-na, Ma-had-zan-ga, Tua-ma- si-na, Tu-lia-ra and Fia-na-ran-tsua po-lu-chi-li sta-tus of self-sustaining universities. Day-st-vu-yut also the National Center for Ocean-Graphic Research and the Sea Museum in Nu-Si-Be (1970), Regional National Museum in the city of Tua-ma-si-na (1991) and others. In 2002, on the basis of the Institute of Biological Vari-a-tiv-no-sti in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu (1992), the one-name National Research Institute was created -doctoral center.

Mass media

There are daily newspapers (all in the city of An-ta-na-na-ri-vu) in French and Ma-la-ga-siy-sk languages: “Midi-Ma-da-ga-si-kara” (since 1983, circulation about 35 thousand copies), “Imongo Vaovao” (since 1955, about 10 thousand copies), “L'Expresse de Madagascar", "Ma-dagascar Tribune"; in the Ma-la-ga-siy language - “Gazetiko” (since 1998), “Maresaka” (since 1954, about 5 thousand copies) and others. Radio broadcasting since 1931, television broadcasting since 1967. The broadcast of television and radio is carried out by the government services “Radio-Télévi-sion Malagasy” (RTM), “Malagasy National Ra-dio” (RNM), not-for-video “Radio-T ́el ́evision Analamanga”, “Madagascar TV”, “Radio Lazan Iarivo”, “Radio Ant-siva” and others. National information agency - Agence Nationale d'Information "Tarat-ra" (ANTA, founded in 1977).

Literature

The literature of Madagascar is developed in Ma-la-ga-siy-sk, as well as in French. The emergence of ma-la-ga-siy literature is connected with the race-of-country in Madagascar of Christianity and the introduction de-ni-em of the Latin al-fa-vi-ta (1823). In the Ma-la-ga-siy language there was a pe-re-ve-de-na Bible (1835); from-yes collections of folk tales (1870, 1877); first you have re-imagined religious hymns in poetry. The artistic literature of Madagascar began at the end of the 19th century and was first-in-chal-but-no-si-la di-dactic character. The leading genre of early Ma-la-ga-siy prose was the instructive story, for which al served as a model -le-gorical novel by J. Ben-ya-na “The Path of the Pa-lom-ni-ka” (translated into the Ma-laga-siy-skiy language in 1835). Familiarity with the Western European theater of the way of establishing a drama-ma-tur-gy. Re-li-gi-oz-no-morality-educational dramas and comedies appeared (J. Rai-ni-za-na-bu-lu-lu-na, Tse- lat-ra, Dun-da-vit-ra, Ra-ba-ri). Did the first Ma-la-ga-siy-skie ro-ma-ns have a pro-light-rightness: “An-d-ro-zi-ke-li” A. Ra-vu-ad-za-na-ha-ri (1896), “Ze-fi-na and Ar-mand”, “Di-tya of the South Ocean” Tse-lat-ry (1897).

At the beginning of the 20th century, in the Ma-la-ga-si-skaya literature, a secular te-ma-ti-ka was ut-ver-awaited. One of the brightest representatives of the free-thought movement was the poet Ni Ava-na; in his work they found the origin of the mind-structure of the ma-la-ga-siy-in-tel-li-gen-tion, str-miv-shay - to the revival of the sa-mo-life culture of Madagascar. In 1915-1922, there was a strict price-fixing in the country, many countries were arrested and sent le-ny in exile, periodical printing for-pre-sche-na.

Since 1922, a new period in the history of ma-la-ga-siy literature has begun. 1920-1940s - the period of color of drama-turgy, for which the har-rak-te-ren is a synthesis of traditional folk drama and Western -ropean te-at-ra (Rod-lish, U. Ra-ve-lu-mu-ria, J. Ra-tsi-mi-se-ta). In poetry, there is a pre-ob-la-da-et of love-but-lyrical te-ma-ti-ka, sometimes ok-ra-shen-naya in gloomy to-to-melancholy and pe-cha-li (S. Ra-ta-ni, J. Na-ri-vu-ni and others). To the national folklore and heroic images of the history of Madagascar, they were represented by the literary movement “in the is-kah ut-ra-chen-no-go” (Sh. Rad-zu-eli-su-lu, Ni Ava-na and others), you came out with a call for pro-ti -to have a spiritual as-si-mi-la-tion and to restore traditional cultural values.

About the middle of the 20th century, turning to the realities of everyday life: stories and stories by J. Na-ri-vu-ni , R. Rad-ze-mi-sa-Rau-li-so-na, Sh. Rad-zu-eli-su-lu, Ra-man-ga-ma-le-fa-ki, Ra-fa-nu -ha-ra-ny, O. Rad-zau-na-ri-ve-lu, Kha-rio-leya, B. Ra-hain-gu, M. An-d-ri-and-za-fi and others ; ro-man-ny E. D. An-d-ria-ma-la-ly (“Forbidden Fruit”, 1951; “Difficulties of Life”, 1963; “Go- kind of dream-you", 1970), K. Ra-tsi-fan-d-ri-ha-ma-na-ny (“Le-to”, 1965; “My child-by-nok”, 1970 ; “Ot-du-shi-na”, 1973), An-d-ri An-d-ray-ny (“Zem-la hundred-net”, 1977). The poetry of the 2nd half of the 20th century was represented by the city (Ra-du, Ni Ma-lu-du-ha-sa-la, K. Ra-tsi-fan-d -ri-ha-ma-na-na, Na-li-sua Ra-va-li-te-ra) and love-noy (Dox, R. Za-na-myot-ra) li-ri-koy .

The largest poems of the late 20th - early 21st centuries: Na-li-sua Ra-va-li-te-ra (collections “Smoldering Coals”, 1980, “Be-zum- “naya love”, 2001, “Ze-ra”, 2005), M. An-d-ria-ma-si-nu-ru (collection “For-island-ness”, 1992), Ra-vu (collection “The Last Song”, 1999), R.H.A. Na-ri, Nu-fi, E. Rad-zau-na-ri-son, Ra-had-za, Khu-bia-na and others. In prose there are small genres; Among the ro-ma-ni-stov, I.P. received the widest knowledge. An-d-ria-man-ga-tia-na (pseudonym I.P.A.; “Roads of Life”, 1995, “Ob-ma-nu-tye na-de-zh-dy”, 2001). In dra-ma-tur-gyi po-pu-la-ren, the genre is ra-dio-sketch-cha (N.E. Ra-noe, Li-dia-ri, E. Ra-va-li-sua and others) .

Since the 1920-1930s, the literature of Madagascar has also been developed in French. Leading poets in the French-speaking literature of Madagascar for poetry: J.J. Ra-bea-ri-ve-lu (collections: “Sil-phas”, 1927; “Po-lu-dreams”, 1934; “Under-listening at the night”, 1935), F. Ra-nai-wu (collections “Shadow and the Wind”, 1947, “Everyday Songs”, 1955, “Return to the Father’s Home”, 1963 year), J.F. Ra-be-ma-nand-za-ra (collections “On the steps of ve-che-ra”, 1940, “Feast of the Gods”, 1962, “God’s Judgments”, 1973 year). The largest French-speaking poets of the 2nd half of the 20th - early 21st centuries: Es-ter Ni-ri-na (collections “Silent Sigh”, 1975, “ Med-len-naya spiral”, 1990, “Only the moon”, 1998), H. Ma-ha-va-nu-na (collections “The Light of the Ocean Beyond”, 2004, “Chlo-ro-fil-lo-vyy kosh-mar”, 2008). Civil mo-ti-you sound in the poetry of Ol-you Sua, J. Ra-nai-vu-sua, Pli-bi-sha, Ma-de-ry, Z. Ra-su-lua-rid- zau, L. Ra-tsi-fan-d-ri-ha-ma-na-ny. To the traditional forms of ma-la-ha-siy-skogo folk-lo-ra about-ra-sche-na pe-zh-zh-naya li-ri-ka M. Ra-ma-ru-za- ki, Woo-lu-lu-ny Ri-ka-ra, He-ri Ma-ha-wa-nu-ny. French-language pro-be-becoming-on-creativity M. Ra-ku-tu-son (novels “She, spring”, 1996, “Listen, fragment of vi-di-mo-sti”, 1998, “Do-ro-ga”, 2002), J. L. Ra-ha-ri-ma-na-ny (collections “ Hearing window", 1996, "The sword is under sa-va-nom", 1998, "Nu-ra, 1947", 2001), Sh. Ra-fe-numand-za- tu (after all, “Scarlet le-pe-stock”, 1990, “March to freedom”, 1992, “Blood for blood”, 2003), N. Ran-d-ria- mi-ra-du (collection “Ba-bush-ka died at the first ku-ka-re-ku”, 2002), D. Dzau-ma-nu-ru (collection of the Ves-tei “ Pi-ro-ga over the pro-pa-stu", 2006), Dz. Ra-va-lu-so-na (the story “The tremors of the earth and the blows of the horns”, 2005; the novel “Tears of Utsi”, 2008). A notable phenomenon in the drama of the late 20th - early 21st centuries was the comedy of N. Ran-d-ria-mi-ra-du, play sy Sh. Ra-fe-nu-mand-za-tu, M. Ra-ku-tu-son, D. Dzau-ma-nu-ru, N. Ra-bea-ri-za-fi.

Editions:

In Ma-na-vum-be there is no smell of oil and no blood: Sat. po-ves-tey pi-sa-te-ley Ma-da-ga-ska-ra. M., 1982;

Favorite pro-iz-ve-de-niya pi-sa-te-ley of South Africa. M., 1983;

From modern ma-la-ga-siy-saying poetry. M., 1983.

Additional literature:

Madagascar - 1. La litterature d’ex-pres-sion malgache // Notre librairie. 1992. No. 109;

Madagascar - 2. La littérature d’ex-pres-sion franç aise // Ibid. 1992. No. 110;

Kar-ta-sho-va L.A. For-ro-zh-de-nie ma-la-ga-si-li-te-ra-tu-ry // Under the sky of Af-ri-ki mo-ey. Is-to-riya, kul-tu-ra, languages ​​of the Af-ri-ki. M., 2005. Issue. 3.

Ar-hi-tech-tu-ra and artistic-bra-zi-tel-art

Urban construction in Madagascar began to develop at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. Pla-ni-drov-koy and for-building new on-village points ru-ko-vo-di-li before the French ad-mi-ni -st-ra-tion. In the 1920s, the architect G. Ka-sen co-designed the re-construction of the cities of Ta-na-na-ri-ve (now An-ta- na-na-ri-wu), Tua-ma-si-na, An-tsi-ra-be. During the construction of cities, palaces, pro-testant and Catholic churches, tombs were erected throughout European communities. time with use-pol-zo-va-ni-em mo-ti-vov class-si-tsiz-ma, go-ti-ki and ba-rock-ko. Residential 2-3-storey houses made of burnt brick are re-pro-from-in-di-types of folk art-hi-tech-tu-ry: you-cha -well, the proportions, the round, 2-slope black-and-white roof, the high-brick table-bang. Since the 1960s, modern concrete structures, equipment, etc. have been introduced into construction. Modern mas-te-ra sculptures continue the traditions of folk wooden sculpture. Among the de-re-vu carvers worked in the 2nd half of the 20th century, the best-known mas-te-ra Fe-si-ra , Ra-si-da-ni, Ka-bu-ta and Tsi-vu-lua. Developing also professional painting, realistic principles, with the use of folk art traditions ( V. Ra-ve-lu-na-nu-shi-Raz-afim-be-lu, E. Ra-be-sha-ha-la, L. Rad-zu-nush, Ra-ni-vu-shun and other).

Additional literature:

Brown M. Madagascar rediscovered. L., 1978;

Acquier J.-L. Architectures de Madagas-car. R., 1998.

Music

The musical culture of Madagascar is close to the culture of the states of Mauritius, Reunion, Co-Mar Islands, Seychelles Islands ro-va. Goes back to the cult-tu-re pro-ma-la-ga-siy-tsev, in the middle of the 1st millennium AD as-si-mi-li-ro-vav-shey tra-di- tions of the indigenous inhabitants of the island - immigrants from East Africa. A significant influence on the music of Madagascar is the oka-za-la Ara-bo-mu-Sulman culture (from the 10th-11th centuries). Music played an important role in the cities that existed in the XIV-XVIII centuries on the territory of rias of Madagascar: Ime-ri-na (musical performances), Me-na-be (court women's choirs) and others; Professional traditions have developed at the courts of the leaders. One of the brightest traditional in-st-ru-mental styles has been preserved - mpa-ma-di-na (playing the trumpet-cha-toi quoted-re wa-li-ha), one of his representatives is vir-tu-oz Ra-ku-tu-za-fi (1960s).

In the 19th century, Western music came to Madagascar. In Ma-la-ga-siy-ko-ro-lev-st-ve secular forms of mu-zi-tsi-ro-va-niya developed, the king of Ra-da Ma II (ruled in 1861-1863) composed plays for piano. From the known musical-ethical relations ha-in-te-ni, singing be-ko-be, mu-zy-kal-no-tan-tse-val-naya for -ma qi-ki-do-la and others. The French colony (1896-1960) and the activities of the British missionaries (early 19th century) contributed to the appearance le-niu elements of Christian culture: the spread of genres and forms of European cultural music , which also entered the local rituals. Spiritual or- ces were created in the co-lo-ni-al-ny pe-ri-od, music schools were opened, European no-ta-tion. Elements of traditional ma-la-ga-siy-sko-go and French es-t-rad-no-go te-at-ra ob-e-di-ni-lis in mu-zy-kal -but-te-at-ral-ny genre hi-ra-ga-si. During national holidays, a song is played - ni so-tsi-al-noy te-ma-ti-ki - wa-ki-so-va, among the is-pol-ni-te- lei this genre - singers Da-ma Ma-ha-leu and Paul Bert Ra-ha-si-ma-na-na (Ros-si). At the beginning of the 20th century, a com-po-zi-tor school was founded, among its representatives was Zh.D. Ra-be-ma-na-ta-ra, B. Ra-ba-rid-zau-na. Mu-zy-ka pre-da-yot-sya at the Ma-da-ga-skar Institute of Dramatic and Folk Arts in An-ta-na-na-ri-wu (1964). Function-tsio-ni-ru-et National ensemble of songs and dances of Madagascar (first ru-ko-vo-di-tel - P. Ra-lai-a-ri-ma-na-na ; in 1979, the Ensemble Ga-st-ro-li-ro-val in the USSR).

Additional literature:

Edkvist I. The performance tradition: an ethnography of Hira Gasy popular theater in Ma-dagascar. Uppsala, 1997.

Theater

The origins of modern ma-la-ga-siy-sko-go te-at-ra - in the genres of traditional pe-sen-no-go and dance-tse-val-no-go folk-lo -ra: according to ethical speeches ka-ba-ri, im-pro-vi-za-tion on the given topic ain-te-ni, dog-ni-re-chi-ta-ti -you tu-nun-ka-lu. At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, the folk drama of Khi-ra Ga-si appeared - im-produced spec-so according to the design-work-tan-no-mu stage (1st part - songs, dek-la-ma-tion and pan-to-mi-ma; 2nd part - dances). The spec-was-so-full-of-use on the de-Re-Ven-skaya square; see if you could take part in the performance. The central themes of traditional the-at-ra-lized presentations (mam-pia-di-ka-rad-zia, tsin-d-rin-d-ria-na and others) - love and family relationships. Representation of the quality of learning.

With the race-pro-country in Madagascar, Christianity arose in the 19th century at religious schools and mis-si-yahs first love collections. There were sketches on the Biblical sy-s-you on-the-dative ha-rak-te-ra, condemning greed, lies, li-tse-me -rie. Dia-lo-gi got along with religious anthems. The first European performance - “Kon-se-rit-ra” (performance-or-to-riya based on Biblical texts ) took place in 1880 in the hundred-personal Ko-ro-lev-sky palace, or-ga-ni-zo-va-but London mis-si-ey.

Since the beginning of the co-lo-ni-al-no-go period (1896), the French military created an entertaining theater " Fo-li mi-li-ter" in Ta-na-na-ri-ve (spec-so-da-va-li in the Palace of the Prime Minister-mi-ni-st-ra, mostly old see the French co-mi-che-opera).In 1899, the Mu-ni-tsi-pal theater Ta-na-na-ri-ve opened, staging le-ny first plays in the ma-la-ga-siy language ma-la-ga-siy-skogo dra-ma-tur-ga Tse-lat-ry - “Ze-fi-na and Ar-man" and "Prince Mar-ko". In 1907, the os-no-va-no Fran-co-mal-gash-skoe the-at-ral-noe society. In the 1910s, the first popular troupes appeared in the nation: “Children of the morning”, “Theatre An-ta-na-na” -ri-wu”, “Evening-black-star-da” (An-ta-na-na-ri-wu). By the 1920s, traditional folk drama had adopted a Western European form, both external (divided into acts and scenes) and internal (development of action from ex-position to decoupling). Moral educational dramas and comedies appeared (re-li-gi-oz-spirit, secular in form, co-creating -that plot with didactic teachings): “Blood Revenge” by Tse-lat-ry, “Iku-man-da” by Ra-ba-ri, “Udi- vi-tel-noe ring" Dun-da-vit-ry.

1914-1947 - the period of the establishment of the “classical theater”, united in the succession of the French dramatic theater at-ra and zhan-ro-vye devils are oper-et-you. Ma-la-ga-siy-skie dra-ma-tur-gi (A. Ra-ku-tu-be, J. Rad-zu-ru, R. An-d-ri-and-za-fi) would -whether one-time-but ak-te-ra-mi, mu-zy-kan-ta-mi and ru-ko-vo-di-te-la-mi theater troupes . In the 1910-1920s, the first professional troupes were formed in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu: “The Constellation of Orion” (1920) , “Ana-la-man-ga” (1928) and “Jean-net” (1929), where there were plays of ma-la-ga-siy drama-ma-tours Rod-li-sha, J. Ra-tsi-mi-se-you, R. de Mont-ple-zi-ra, U. Ra-ve-lu-mu-ria and others. The co-media of morals has been received. In drama-ma-tur-gy, there is a pre-ob-la-da-la love te-ma-ti-ka, since the price-zu-ra is for-pre-la-la to illuminate -ti-che-skie and so-ci-al-but important problems. The first patriotic play “My Ro-di-na” by L. Ra-sa-mu-ela (1946) was immediately for-pre-sche-na.

After the 2nd World War, the theatrical life of Madagascar froze, and in 1951 the Mu-ni-cy-pal theater Ta-na was closed -na-ri-ve. For the ac-ti-vi-za-tion of the-at-ral-no-activities in the capital, the As-so-tsia-tion of di-rec-tion was created -rov and art-ti-sts of professional troupes of Ma-la-ga-siy-sko-go te-at-ra (FMTM, 1951) and As-so-tsia-tsiya of Ma-la-ga-siy-skih te -at-ral-nyh troupes (1956), in 1966 they formed into the Association of Ma-la-ga-siy-skih artists. New plays for-tra-gi-va-li ak-tu-al-nye pro-ble-we, about-bu-y-da-national feelings (“Love for the Ro- -di-ne" R. An-d-ria-mand-za-tu, "Fix your gaze on Ma-da-ga-skar" and "God or ro-di-na?" . Ra-va-lu-so-na, “Pre-saturated” and “God is my enemy” by V. Su-lu).

After the discovery of the non-vi-si-mo-sti by Madagascar (1960), Mu-ni-tsi-pal-ny was created in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu theater Isut-ri (1962). Stage performances in Madagascar offer the opportunity to live abroad (for example, returning from France actor and director Sh. -ness of the re-zhis-syo-ra, raised the is-pol-ni-tel-sky level, uso-ver-shen-st-vo-va-ny de-co-ra-tions and cos-tu -We). In the early 1970s, O. Ra-ku-tu began to develop the genre of street theater, ori-en-ti-ro-van-ny on accessibility shi-ro-kim layers of society (the language of the plays came closer to the time, the disclosure of the main dramatic -nii sp-sob-st-vo-va-li musical numbers). Among the many troupes of folk theater, the most popular one is “Khi-ra Ga-si” (1960, An-ta-na-na-ri-vu ) - her in-sta-new-ki from-ra-zha-yut pro-ble-we-all-day-of-life (social-ci-al pre-rass-judgments, con- flick-you fathers and children and more). The classical direction is represented by dramatic theatres, united in the Associa-tion of theatres. in the Ma-la-ga-siy language (An-ta-na-na-ri-wu). The troupes included in FMTM play classical dramas, tragedies and comedies in the Mu-ni-tsi-pal-nom theater Isut-ri (one hundred two plays a year). At the beginning of the 21st century in Madagascar they also work on dramatic collections: “An-ta-na-na-ri-vu te-atr”, “Ta-rat -ra”, “Dzu-ha-ri”, “Lisin’Yariwu”, “Lan-di Wu-la Fu-tsi” (all in An-ta-na-nari-wu) and others. The French language theater in Madagascar is connected with the university environment and cultural centers of France (included in the OS -no-van-nuyu in 1992 in An-ta-na-na-ri-vu As-so-tsia-tsiyu te-at-rov in French), dra-ma-tur-giya from-li-cha -et-s-swary in-li-ti-che-skoy and social pro-ble-ma-ti-koy (D. Dzau-ma-nu-ru, M. Ra-ku-tu- son, E. An-d-ria-nie-re-na-na and Sh.A. Ra-fe-nu-mand-za-tu).

Additional literature:

Cornevin R. Le théâtre en Afrique noire et a Madagascar. P., 1970;

Ramiandrasoa J. I. Dramaturgie du théâtre malgache classique. , 1972;

Leprun S. Le théâtre des colonies. P., 1986;

Mauro D. Madagascar, l'opéra du peuple. P., 2000; idem. Madagascar, le théâtre du peuple: l’art Hira Gasy entre rebellion et tradition. P., 2000;

Ma-da-ga-skar: reference book. . M., 2005.

Movie

The first European films appeared in Madagascar after the end of the 1st World War (mainly in private collections) yah French and Ma-la-ga-si-Ari-sto-kra-tiya). Foreign directors who were in Madagascar, shot mainly visual films, scenic films chron-ni-ki not-pain-sho-go-for-ma-ta. In 1937, Ra-be-rud-zu made the first documentary film “Mu-che-ni-tsa Ra-sa-la-ma” - about the victim of religious supremacy. tracking.

After the war of non-vi-si-mo-sti (1960), national cinema began to develop, re-living takeoff in the 1970s (“Coal Miner” by H. Ra-ha-ri-ma-nan-tsua, and others). Acute social issues (corruption, mass transfer from village to city, poverty and the like), as well as national special-ben-no-sti ma-la-ga-siy-skoy cult-tu-ry from-ra-zhe-ny in the films “Pro-is-she-st -vie" B. Ra-mam-pi (1972, main prize of the Pan-af-ri-kan-skogo inter-folk ki-no-fes-ti-va-la in Ua-ga- du-gu), “Change the Gate of Fate” by S. Ran-d-ra-sa-ny (1973) and others. National ki-no-com-pa-nii appeared: “Society of ki-no Ma-da-ga-ska-ra”, “Ma-la-ga-siy-sky center for about-from-water-st-vu of re-pi-ta-tel-films” and others.

Since the mid-1970s, the government of D. Ra-tsi-ra-ki po-sta-vi-lo ki-ne-ma-to-graph under ideological control, but a number of measures were taken for the development of the national ki-no-pro-iz-vod-st-va and ki-no-pro-ka-ta: stu- dents were created dii and ki-no-la-bo-ra-to-rii, the network of state ki-no-te-at-rov expanded. In 1976, the Ma-la-ga-siy cinema directorate was created (under it there is a center for educational films).

Since the mid-1980s, cinema in Madagascar has been in decline due to political and economic instability. Films from the mid-1980s - 1990s appeared rarely and mostly on TV: “Da-ha-lu, Da-ha-lu...” Ra-mum-pi ( 1984, released in 1990), “The Price of the World” by A. Ra-ku-tu-za-na-ni (1987), “Vol-ne-niya” R. Rad-zau-na-ri-ve-lu (1988, IFF Prize in Cannes), “Bo-ga-chi” by S. Ra-suam-pa-na-ni-ny (1994, before -ku-men-tal-ny), “Fley-ta” by K. Mar-sha-ny (1997).

At the beginning of the 21st century, with the development of digital technologies and in connection with economic growth and state support, st-va national ki-no-is-kus-st-vo na-cha-lo voz-ro-zh-give-sya. Among the films of the 2000s: “Pro-fessor Ra-tsi-ma-man-ga” by V. Ra-ba-ku-li-a-ri-fet-ry (2001, before ku-men-tal-nyy), “Ra-lai-ta-vin-d-ra-wow” by A. Ma-zu-tu (2003), “Ne-u-da-cha” by A. Ran-d -ria-nie-re-na-ny and J. An-dri-a-ma-nan-te-ny (2001), “Ma-ha-leu” by R. Rad-zau-na-ri-ve- Lu (2005, do-ku-men-tal). The film “The Dark Side” by J. Raz-a-fin-d-ra-ku-tu, An-d-ria-ma-nante- received great popularity us and M. Ra-zafi-man-dim-bi (2006). Since the beginning of the 2000s, there have been inter-folk cinema festivals: do-ku-men-tal-no-go ki-no (GASARY), the rest exactly the film. Among the ak-te-rov: Got-lib, Wu-la-tia-na Ra-su-lund-za-tu-wu, Tan-te-li Ra-mund-zi, S. Rad-zau-na -ri-woo.

The Republic of Madagascar (Repoblikan "i Madagasikara or République de Madagascar) is an island state with a unique natural world, friendly natives and a rich history. The country attracts exotic lovers from all over the world, because only here so many endemic species on the planet are collected. Traveling around the island will not be simply interesting and educational, but also full of various adventures.

Geographical location of the country

The map shows that Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean and belongs to Africa. The state is separated from the southeastern coast of the mainland by the Mozambique Strait. The island ranks 4th in the world in size.

The area of ​​the state is 587,040 square meters. km, width – 600 km, and length – 1600 km. The highest point is considered to be the peak of Marumukutru; it is an extinct mountain with a height of 2876 m above sea level. It is located in the north of the island and belongs to the Tsaratanana mountain range.

Climatic features

The eastern part of Madagascar is represented by low-lying plains, the central part by mountainous hills, and the western region by hills. This is the main reason that the climate here is quite diverse. It is formed by the southern trade wind and the Indian anticyclone.

Madagascar has distinct seasons: wet and dry. There are 3 climatic zones: tropical, temperate and desert. The average annual precipitation is approximately 3000 mm, and temperatures are +20°C.

Due to intensive deforestation and waterlogging, the climate in the country is constantly changing. Rare animals are dying out, and plants are disappearing.

Form of government

The island of Madagascar is governed by the National Assembly, a bicameral parliament consisting of 127 deputies. Most of them (about 100 seats) are elected by the people, and one third are appointed by the president.

The official symbol of the country is the coat of arms (emblem), which has the shape of a yellow disk,

• which contains the following elements:
• the inscription “TANINDRAZANA - FAHAFAHANA - FANDROSOANA” (this is the state motto, meaning “Fatherland, Freedom, Progress”);
• red and green rays around the white disk, symbolizing the sun;
• the head of a zebu - an animal sacred to the inhabitants of the island;
• schematic representation of Madagascar with the 2 nearest islands.

The colors on the flag of Madagascar have their own history:

• red and white were used on the kingdom's banners until the French conquest of Madagascar in the late 19th century;
• green is considered the color of the Hove tribe - they were active participants in the national liberation movement of the Malagasy people.

The country has natural symbols: the baobab and the lemur.

Cities on the island

Administratively, the state is divided into 22 regions and 6 autonomous faritaniyas (provinces). Among the largest cities on the island, the following settlements can be noted:

Only a third of the population lives in cities. The remaining residents prefer the countryside.

Resort towns

Tourists come to Madagascar to get acquainted with the way of life of the aborigines, relax on the snow-white sandy beaches, and also swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and visit.

The most popular resort towns on the island are:

Today tourism is actively developing in Madagascar: restaurants are being built, beaches are being developed, and all kinds of activities are being organized.

Population and religion

The number of inhabitants on the island is 24.2 million people. This figure is constantly increasing, because... Madagascar has a high birth rate. The average life expectancy for women is 65 years, and for men - 63 years.

Most of the aborigines are Malagasy, consisting of 18 ethnic groups: Betsilelu, Merina, Sakalava, etc. Indians, French, Comorians and other nationalities also live here.

The official languages ​​in Madagascar are Malagasy and French. The latter is spoken by more than 25% of the population.

The Aborigines profess several religions, which are closely intertwined. More than half of the residents are Christians and belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Also on the island, the faith of the ancestors is alive, based on the connection between the living and the dead. Approximately 7% of Malagasy are Muslim and Orthodox.

Description of attractions in Madagascar

The island has a huge number of places that tourists should definitely visit and exciting entertainment. The most popular of them are:

The island has a unique and extremely rich nature, so it is worth highlighting the national parks of Madagascar:

Oddly enough, there are no zoos in Madagascar, but the photos here are original and very bright. You can meet all mammals in nature reserves or national parks.

Island hotels

Madagascar is a poor country, so very often hotels have two prices: one for locals and one for foreigners. There are few luxury hotels here, and they are all located in resorts or in Antananarivo.

Such establishments have fitness centers, swimming pools, luxurious restaurants with international cuisine, and provide babysitting, concierge, and laundry services. The most popular five-star hotels are Carlton Madagascar, Eden Lodge, Laguna Blu - Resort Madagascar, etc.

Budget hotels have private parking, internet, services for people with disabilities, and pets are allowed. The equipped rooms have a bathroom, minibar and TV. The most popular among tourists are such establishments as Constance Tsarabanjina, The Citizen, Home Madagascar The Residence.

Cuisine and restaurants of the country

The traditions of Madagascar were formed on the basis of two cultures: African and Asian. This is especially noticeable in. The natives love rice very much and eat it almost every day. Meat, vegetables, spices, sauces, fish or seafood (lobsters, urchins, crabs) are often added to this product. Many recipes include garlic, green hot peppers and other spicy ingredients.

The most common dishes in Madagascar are:

• salad ro – rice with local herbs;
• anana salad – rice with shrimp and vegetables (corn, beans, tomatoes);
• zebu fillet - antelope meat grilled over charcoal with added spices.

For drinks, you should try coconut wine, lichel or local rum, such as Dzama, Touaka gras or Cazeneuve. It is better to purchase ready-made food in specialized stores, but purchasing food on the street can be hazardous to health.

The best restaurants in the country are La Varangue (in Antananarivo), Le Relais de la Reine (in Fianarantsoa) and La Table d'Alexandre (in Nosy Be).

Shopping on the island

Shops in Madagascar are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:30, on Saturdays until 13:00, and Sundays are usually a day off. The daytime siesta lasts from 12:00 to 15:00 or from 13:00 to 16:00. Bargaining in stores is a must; however, prices are not inflated for foreigners.

The currency of the state is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). It is equal to 5 iraimbilanyamas. The country has banknotes in denominations of 10000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100 MGA.

Exchange offices are located only in large cities; they are open from 08:00 in the morning until 15:00 in the afternoon. Money can also be changed at a bank, hotel or airport, but it is better not to do this on the street.

Safety on the island

The criminal situation in Madagascar is quite calm, but you still need to be careful. It is better to keep valuables and documents in a safe; attractions should be visited as part of a group or with a guide.

It is forbidden to drink raw water on the island; even for bathing and brushing your teeth, it is better to boil it. In the sea you should be wary of sharks and coral reefs, and dangerous reptiles live in reservoirs. Before going to Madagascar, you should take a course of anti-malarial tablets, and avoid mosquito bites while in the country.

Transport system

The cheapest and most convenient way to get around the island is by bus. They run strictly according to a schedule, which is posted on special stands. The most comfortable way to travel within the city is by car or taxi. The latter come in two types: licensed with a meter or unofficial with fixed prices. Cost and distance must be agreed upon in advance.

Taxi-be and taxi-brusi are also popular in Madagascar. This is something between minibuses and cars; they stop at bus stops. There are rickshaws in all cities.

It is poorly distributed on the island and is only available at the airport. You can order a car in advance, before arriving in the country. You will need a credit card and an international driving license.

customs control

In order for citizens of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus to enter Madagascar, they will need a visa, which can be obtained at the embassy or directly to the islands. When entering and leaving the country, you must follow certain rules.

You can import:

• large sums of money, jewelry, but they must be declared;
• tobacco – 500 g;
• cigars – 25 pieces;
• cigarettes – 500 pieces;
• alcohol – 1 l.

It is prohibited to export:

• local currency;
• gold nuggets;
• plants;
• animals.

Some goods will require certificates, for example, precious stones, gold, animal skins and horns, plant seeds, etc.

If you need to call emergency services, please call:

• 225-66 fire rescue will arrive;
• 229-72 – police;
• 211-70 – ambulance.

The country's telephone code is 261.

How to get to the island?

There are no direct flights from Europe to Madagascar, so you will have to fly here with transfers in Paris or in another country. The flight duration is up to 15 hours, excluding transit.

Located in Antananarivo, which receives international flights. Internal flights are carried out to the adjacent islands of the state.

Map of the island of Madagascar.

The island of Madagascar (Malagasy version - Nosin Dambo) is the fourth largest island in the world by area, located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. The name of the island was given by the famous Venetian traveler of the early Middle Ages, Marco Polo, who in his notes mentioned an unusually rich island called Madeigascar. Most likely, Marco Polo had in mind the capital of the modern state of Somalia - the city of Mogadishu, but the name was firmly attached to the island in subsequent centuries.

The island of Madagascar in the west is washed by the waters of the Mozambique Channel, which separates it from the coast of southeast Africa in the region of the state of Mozambique. From the north, south and east, Madagascar is washed by the waters of the open Indian Ocean.

The total area of ​​the island exceeds 587 thousand square kilometers.

Madagascar is impressive in area, so its geographical coordinates are usually calculated by its approximate geographical center: 19°20′ S. w. 47°04′ E. d.

Currently, on the territory of the island of Madagascar and adjacent small islands and rocks, the state of the Republic of Madagascar is located (French version - République de Madagascar).

The island of Madagascar as seen from space by a NASA satellite.

Story.

Oddly enough, the settlement of the island began only between 200 and 500 AD from two directions. From the east, Austronesian tribes began to arrive on the island by canoe approximately from the beginning, and from the west, African Bantu tribes began to arrive. As a result of the mixing of tribes, the unique Malagasy people were formed.

In the 7th century, Arabs tried to settle on the island, but their settlements did not spread, and the attempt to colonize them failed. Islam also did not take root in Madagascar.

Europeans most likely learned about the existence of a fairly large island off the coast of Africa from the reports of the Portuguese Peru da Covilha, who, while traveling, received information from Arab sailors. The discovery of Madagascar by Europeans took place in 1500 during a voyage to India by the Portuguese navigator Diogo Dias, who lost his course and landed on the southern coast of the island.

Almost immediately, realizing the strategic geographical position of the island for trade with India, France and Britain tried to organize their outposts on the island and establish small fortified settlements. These attempts were extremely unsuccessful due to the resistance of local residents and the unusual climate on the island.

In the 17th century, the island of Madagascar became a haven for pirates who attacked merchant ships sailing to India and in the opposite direction.

In February 1774, the Slovak Moritz Benevsky, after meeting with the King of France Louis XV, with a detachment of soldiers and sailors landed in Madagascar and, having won over the local leaders, was proclaimed king in October 1776. However, after the slander of the colonial leadership, he was returned by the king to Paris.

In 1818, the mountainous state of Merina took control of the entire island.

In 1883, French troops invaded the island, overthrew the local king and established their colonial power on the island. In 1890, France announced its protectorate over the island, which was recognized by all the leading countries of the world at that time.

Tsaratana mountain range.

In 1904, in the Madagascar port of Nosy Be, the ships of the Second Pacific Squadron of Admiral Rozhdestvensky, which was heading to the Far East to meet its death in the Battle of Tsushima, united.

In 1940, after the surrender of France, the colonial authorities of Madagascar recognized the power of the puppet government in Vichy. All this led to the invasion of the island by British troops and troops of the dominion countries, who feared the capture of the island by the Japanese. In the period from May 5 to November 6, 1942, after fierce and bloody battles during the Madagascar operation, the British managed to take control of the island.

In 1943, a people's liberation war began in Madagascar for the independence of the island, which led first to the proclamation of the Autonomous Malagasy Republic under the protectorate of France on October 14, 1958, and then to the declaration of independence of the Republic of Madagascar (Malagasy Republic) on June 26, 1960.

In 1974, after a series of military coups, pro-Soviet forces came to power and announced the construction of socialism on the island, but after the collapse of the USSR, the country's government was forced to begin democratic reforms.

In 1976, Madagascar officially presented territorial claims to France over several uninhabited islands in the Mozambique Channel -, and.

In 2009, another military coup took place in the Republic of Madagascar, ending in the seizure of power by the military. All this caused a sharply negative reaction in the world and the introduction of economic sanctions.

Currently, the Republic of Madagascar is a developing state with a weak economy and unstable political power.

Typical landscape of the southwestern part of the island of Madagascar.

Origin and geography of the island.

By its origin, Madagascar is a mainland island. Its formation occurred as a result of the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana during a period approximately 88 million years distant from us. Then Madagascar separated from the Hindustan Peninsula and moved southward.

The extreme northern point of Madagascar is Cape Babaumbi (12°35′ S. 49°10′ E.), the southern point is Cape Vihimena (Saint-Marie) (15°11′ S. 45°10′ E. d.), western – Cape Ankabua (22°26′ S. 43°53′ E) and eastern – Cape Ankanbarata (19°20′ S. 50°49′ E).

The coastline of Madagascar is quite straight and along its entire length does not form many bays protruding deeply into the land. However, two of them are still worth noting in size. These are the bays of Antougila on the northeast coast and Ambaru in the northwest of the island.

The topography of Madagascar is mostly mountainous, grading into low-lying plains on the coast. In the central part of the island, the high-mountain volcanic plateau of Anjafi stretches from north to south, as well as the Tsaratana, Ankaratra and Ivakuania mountain ranges. It is within the Tsaratana massif that the highest point of the island is located - the extinct volcano Marumukutru (altitude 2876 meters above sea level). In the southeast is the mid-altitude semi-desert plateau of Mahafaly.

There are quite a lot of rivers in Madagascar that flow into both the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean. For the most part, they are not too long, not full of water and abound in rapids and waterfalls. The eastern basin includes such significant rivers of the island as Manguru, Mananara, Bemarivu, Maninguri, Mananjari and Ivundru. The rivers of the Mozambique Strait basin are longer, deeper and faster. The most significant of them include: Mahajamba, Sambirana, Betsibuka, North and South Mahavawi, Mania, Manguki, Ikupa, Unilahi and Mandrare. In addition to rivers, Madagascar has quite a lot of lakes, among which Alautra, Ihutri and Kinkuni stand out in size.

On the island of Madagascar there are numerous deposits of minerals - iron and polymetallic ores, oil, coal, the development of which began mainly in the 70s of the last century.

Madagascar Landscape National Park in the province of Toliara.

Climate.

The climate of Madagascar is very specific and uncharacteristic of regions near the African continent. By type it should be classified as tropical and equatorial monsoon. It is formed by the southeast trade winds and the South Indian anticyclones. Currently, three climatic regions have formed here: the eastern region with a tropical monsoon climate on the east coast, the central region of a temperate marine climate in the area of ​​the central plateaus and mountain ranges, and the southern region with an arid climate in deserts and semi-deserts in the south of the island. More precipitation falls on the east coast, which is not surprising, since moist winds are delayed by the central mountain systems. Throughout the year, the average precipitation on the east coast of the island is about 3500 millimeters, in the center and west – about 1400 and in the south – no more than 320. The average air temperature in the central part of the island is about +18 °C, while on coast this indicator can reach +24-27°C. The hottest areas of the island are the Bemaraha plateau and the northwestern coast, where the average air temperature reaches even +34 °C. But on the tops of mountain plateaus and massifs there are also some drops in temperature, as well as frosts. There is no rainy season on the island, as such. It is worth noting that the coastal areas of Madagascar are quite often exposed to destructive cyclones.

Residential buildings of the capital of the Republic of Madagascar - the city of Antananarivo.

Population.

Currently, the population of the island of Madagascar is more than 20 million people. Ethnically, the vast majority belongs to the Malagasy people, formed as a result of the assimilation of African Bantu tribes and Austronesian tribes, mainly from the island of Kalimantan (Borneo). The Malagasy are divided into several ethnic groups, among which the Imerina (Merina), Betsileu and Sihanaka (in the mountainous regions), as well as the Sakalava, Betsimisaraka and Mahafali (on the coast) stand out in numbers. The official languages ​​of the Republic of Madagascar are French and Malagasy.

The population of the island of Madagascar is mainly employed in agriculture, fishing and mining.

The capital of the Republic of Madagascar and the largest city of the island is Antananarivo, located in the central part of the island. Currently, about 1 million 400 thousand people live in Antananarivo. Among the largest settlements on the island in terms of importance and population are the cities of Antsiranana, Sambava, Sualala, Amatundrazaka, Toamasina, Tuliara, Taularana, Betruka, Fianarantsoa, ​​Antsirabe, Mahajanga, Murondava and others.

Administratively, the island of Madagascar is divided into 6 provinces of the country: Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, ​​Mahajanga, Toliara and Toamasina.

The monetary unit in circulation on the island of Madagascar is the Malagasy ariary (Ariary) (MGA, code 969), consisting of 5 iraimbilanya.

Local population of Madagascar and typical vegetation of the island.

Flora and fauna.

Due to the fact that Madagascar separated from other continents quite early and has a mild tropical climate, it has preserved quite a lot of plants and animals that have long been extinct in other parts of the Earth, the vast majority of which are endemic species.

The central and eastern regions of the island are covered with tropical forests, in which more than 350 species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants grow. Eight families of these plants are classified as endemic species. These are Didymelaceae, Asteropeiaceae, Didiereaceae, Kaliphoraceae, Melanophyllaceae, Physenaceae, Sphaerosepalaceae, Sarcolaenaceae and Sphaerosepalaceae. Perhaps the plant symbol of the island is the fire tree or royal delonix (Delonix regia), which is also a Madagascan emdemic.

The fauna of Madagascar is unusually rich and abounds in various species, of which more than half are also considered endemic. Among them, it is worth highlighting the fossa mammal (Cryptoprocta ferox), the largest predator in Madagascar, similar to both representatives of the cat family and the mongoose. Separately, Madagascar civets are noted, also descended from one mongoose-like ancestor. The symbol of the island is rightfully lemurs, of which there are more than 55 species, not counting the extinct ones. Tenrecs or bristly hedgehogs (Tenrecidae), although not endemic, are quite common here, numbering more than 30 species. In addition to all of the above, the island is inhabited by more than 110 species of birds (of which three species are endemic), about 150 species of reptiles (chameleons, radiant turtles and day geckos stand out among them), and more than 400 species of insects.

The coastal waters of Madagascar are home to a huge number of tropical fish, murrenes, king mantas, sharks and whales.

Lemurs are the unofficial symbol of the island of Madagascar.

Tourism.

Despite the favorable climatic conditions, beach tourism in Madagascar is not developed and there are no prospects for this in the near future. The reason for this lies both in the disorganization of the island’s coastline and in the presence of a huge number of sharks living in the local waters, most of which pose a potential danger to swimmers.

But traditionally there are always a lot of ecotourism fans here. For curious, humid tropical climate-resistant and wealthy tourists, Madagascar appears to be a “continent in miniature,” filled with thousands of exotic life forms, most of them endemic. For trekking enthusiasts, there are routes to the peaks of extinct volcanoes and low mountains, to river valleys and their waterfalls, semi-deserts and tropical forests.

The tourist infrastructure on the island is also underdeveloped: there are no luxury hotels here, and the island can only be reached through one international airport in Antananarivo and several seaports on the coast.

Coastal beach on the east coast of the island of Madagascar.

Sights of Madagascar

All sights of Madagascar

Climate and weather

It’s not for nothing that Madagascar is called a “small continent” - here, replacing each other, there are several climatic zones. Some researchers identify up to a dozen of them, but three are most clearly distinguished: tropical monsoon in the east, temperate marine in the central part, deserts and semi-deserts in the south. Of course, the maximum amount of precipitation falls in the first, where stable winds from the Indian Ocean bring moisture. There are up to 140 rainy days a year. However, Madagascar does not have such a pronounced rainy season as on many exotic islands.

It should be remembered that there are periodic destructive cyclones on the coast, but hotel owners, of course, monitor weather reports and notify their guests of approaching bad weather.

As for average temperatures, there are noticeable fluctuations depending on the region. The coldest months are August and September, at which time in the central regions the thermometer stays at around 15 degrees Celsius, and sometimes even lower. From March to May the air here warms up to a comfortable +25°C. It is much hotter in the northwestern part of Madagascar, where the difference between winter and summer is not so noticeable (an average of 32 and 35 degrees during the day, respectively).

In general, the island's climate is favorable for the development of tourism, since trips here are possible all year round. This all-season design is especially relevant for fishing enthusiasts, divers and yachtsmen. It is most comfortable to stay in coastal resorts from April to December; dry and warm weather contributes to a good mood and an even tan. If the main purpose of your visit is to visit nature reserves and get to know nature, plan your vacation for September-November, when rains are infrequent and forest inhabitants lead an active lifestyle.

Animals of Madagascar

Needless to say, Madagascar's flora and fauna make it one of the most biologically unique places on the planet. Some of the inhabitants of Madagascar were immortalized in the cartoon of the same name, but the nature of the island is much more diverse and amazing than any computer animation. Zoologists claim that Madagascar has been colonized by various species of land mammals five times throughout its existence. Moreover, all the “colonists” were satisfied with their choice and remained on the island forever. Lemurs are a key component of this island's biodiversity. They belong to a group of primates known as prosimians that were once distributed throughout the world and have today been largely replaced by monkeys. This is only because the lemurs, being isolated in Madagascar, managed to survive and reproduce.

The diversity of animals on the island has decreased significantly compared to about 2,000 years ago. At that time, there lived giant lemurs the size of gorilla, monstrous turtles, pygmy hippopotamuses and huge elephant birds (Aephornis maximus), about 3 m in height and weighing more than 500 kg, which laid eggs so large that you could make an omelette out of them was to feed 150 people. All these species became extinct after humans set foot in Madagascar. Since then, some lemur species on the island have been extirpated or become extinct due to habitat loss caused by climate change and human activity.

History of Madagascar

The first people in Madagascar were representatives of two ethnic groups. African Bantu tribes crossed the Mozambique Channel to the west coast between the 2nd and 5th centuries, while Austronesians (presumably from the island of Kalimantan, also known as Borneo) landed in the east. The assimilation of the settlers led to the formation of a special nation - the Malagasy. In the 7th century, the Arabs tried to become part of the population of Madagascar, but neither they nor their religion took root here.

Europeans appeared on the horizon much later. As often happened in the days of navigation by inaccurate instruments and stars, in 1500 the Portuguese navigator Diogo Dias lost his course while returning from a large-scale expedition to find a sea route to India and landed on an unfamiliar shore. The discoverer christened the island São Lourenço, and the territory owes its current name to the famous Venetian Marco Polo, who mentioned the fabulously rich lands of Madeigascar in his personal notes. Today, historians are inclined to believe that the traveler actually meant the port of Mogadishu (the current capital of Somalia), but one way or another the error was recorded on the maps and took root among sailors.

The advantageous geographical position immediately made Madagascar the subject of claims by Britain and France, but attempts to build outposts aroused serious opposition from the aborigines, and for some time there was no de facto colonial power. This turned the island into a reliable rear for sea pirates who robbed merchant ships both on the way to India and back. Their prey included precious metals and stones, silk, jewelry and, of course, spices.

Almost the entire 19th century passed under the sign of monarchical power. Radama I and his heirs ruled the kingdom of Imerina, which united disparate lands with the help of European patrons. In 1890, diplomatic negotiations between the great maritime powers resulted in the recognition of the French protectorate over this territory and the overthrow of the royal dynasty.

The 20th century turned out to be even more turbulent for Madagascar. During the Second World War, Nazi Germany considered the option of turning the island into a “superghetto”, where over 4 million Jews were supposed to be deported from Europe, but the Allied operation in Madagascar put an end to this plan. After the establishment of peace and the declaration of independence, a period of riots, uprisings and military coups began (the last one occurred as recently as 2009). The unstable political situation in the country today is one of the main obstacles to the development of tourism.

Popular resorts

If you want to relax in comfort even in a remote corner of the planet, choose Nosy-B (another spelling is Nosy-Be). The largest of the islands of the archipelago of the same name provides its guests with beautiful beaches, boutiques, nightclubs and bars. There are plantations of natural vanilla and groves where papayas, mangoes, oranges and other exotic fruits ripen. Of course, you have to pay for all the benefits listed; prices at an elite resort by Madagascar standards are significantly higher than on the “mainland”.

A former base for fearsome pirates, Ile Sainte-Marie today shows nothing of its turbulent past. Snow-white sand, coconut palms, secluded coves, coral reefs: this is why the Malagasy themselves love the narrow stretch of land off the eastern coast of Madagascar. A pleasant bonus is sea excursions, during which you can see magnificent humpback whales up close.

Antsirabe, thanks to its particularly mild microclimate, has become the main spa resort of the island. In addition, the “land of great salt” is famous for its artisans and jewelers, colorful ethnic markets and exciting excursions, so you will return from here with a lot of unusual souvenirs.

What to do on vacation?

Of course, you have every right to limit yourself to absorbing the sun's rays and contemplating the waves rolling onto the sand in a comfortable sun lounger, but for such a pastime it is not at all necessary to cross the equator, right?

Madagascar has gained the reputation of a real mecca for naturalists, photographers and ecotourists; even a superficial acquaintance with the local landscapes, flora and fauna will take you more than one day - there is so much exotic and exciting stuff around that you won’t be bored!

Do you prefer water spaces to walks and safaris? The island of Madagascar has something to surprise both beginners in water sports and professionals. Head to the east coast, rich in lagoons protected by coral reefs. You can brag to your friends that you have conquered the waves of the unpredictable Indian Ocean, and when you get bored of gliding along the ridges on a traditional board, add a kite or sail to your equipment to master the basics of kite and windsurfer skills. Fans of the latter sport, by the way, will find world-class spots in the southeast, and the infrastructure in the northeast is aimed at those who are just discovering all the delights of this active recreation.

The northern and northwestern parts of Madagascar are less exposed to strong winds and are rich in bays suitable for anchorage, which is why they are chosen by yachtsmen and owners of sailing catamarans. The area is also interesting for divers, although the surroundings of the Nosy Bee archipelago are still considered an ideal place for diving, since it is here, at a depth of 30-40 meters, that you can observe not only exotic fish living in coral reefs, but also octopuses, stingrays, barracudas, sea turtles, giant lobsters, leopard and whale sharks.

Places worth visiting in Madagascar

As noted above, the points of tourist pilgrimage in Madagascar are not man-made historical or architectural monuments, but the state-protected natural resources of the island, the total area of ​​which is almost 16 thousand square kilometers.

The largest number of visitors is received by the Montagne d'Ambres National Park, located in the north of the country near the capital of the Diana region, Antsiranana. There are wide and comfortable walking paths with a total length of 20 km throughout the territory, along which trees, palms, and orchids grow with vines. Keepers will proudly tell you that more than 70 species of birds live here, as well as rare short-tailed and blue-nosed chameleons. During your walk, be sure to turn to the Petit Cascade waterfall; year after year it expands its pool, carved right into the rocks. Not far from the “little cascade” is the picturesque “little lake”, Petit Lac.

Kirindy Forest

Kirindy Forest is another popular ecotourism destination in Madagascar. It is ideal for observing nocturnal animals; there are even separate excursion tours for this purpose, but there is also something to see during the day. Literally from the first steps, the majestic baobab trees attract attention. Their crowns are home to a large number of lemurs, including sifakas and pygmy mice. The latter are the smallest primates on the planet, an adult weighing only about 30 grams. Many monkeys are accustomed to the company of people and allow themselves to be photographed at close range. Feeding wild animals is, of course, prohibited, but keepers allow them to drink water from the palm of their hand during dry periods. After the rains, chameleons, snakes and geckos of various species appear “in public”, but local guides are not the first to be asked about them. The main “star” of the forest is the fossa. The largest mammalian predator on the island is actually as tall as a beagle. Due to its external resemblance to a puma and the ability to make “meowing” sounds, it has long been classified as a feline, but based on genetic analysis, today it is classified as a Madagascar civet. Fossas in the Red Book classification have the status of a “vulnerable species,” although they have no natural enemies - this is the “merit” of the aborigines, who exterminate the predator because of its tendency to destroy chicken coops. In the protected area, animals feel at ease and are often visible to tourists.

In the same eastern part of the country, just three to four hours from Antananarivo, lies the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, divided into two parts. The evergreen rain forests of the Perine Nature Reserve are home to an impressive population of endemic primates. Visitors can observe the life of indri, naughty, brown, woolly, gray bamboo, red mouse and dwarf lemurs while walking along paths carefully laid by caretakers. It is better to walk around Mantardia with a guide; the park is much larger in area and almost not “civilized,” so there is a risk of getting lost. In addition, experienced employees are well versed in where it is easier to find representatives of various species and even attract specific birds to the group of vacationers entrusted to them, including recordings of their singing. By the way, during the period from September to November, local birds make nests and raise offspring, therefore they are tied to one place and are more accessible to humans. Please note that due to weather conditions and associated transport difficulties, Andasibe-Mantadia is not accessible from December to May.

Around the same period, frequent downpours forced the closure of the most interesting national park Tsingy de Bemaraha, located in the western part of the island of Madagascar, to tourists. The Bemaraha plateau is known among the locals as the “stone forest” because the sharp peaks of limestone rocks, formed under the influence of rain and underground rivers, really resemble bizarre plantings from above. Of course, a visit to such a landmark does not promise an easy walk. You will need sturdy and comfortable shoes that provide good traction on rocks, clothing that will not restrict movement, sunscreen, a hat, a small backpack to carry water, and a good guide. It is simply unrealistic to inspect the territory in a day. If you really want to see the karst labyrinths and the animals living in them with your own eyes, clear 5-6 days in your Madagascar schedule (including the road there and back). Then you will have time to walk along suspension bridges thrown across the deepest gaps, ride a canoe along the river at the bottom of one of the gorges, admire lakes, forests and mangroves, watch lemurs, which, unlike humans, do not need detours and move freely between rocky ledges.

Those who are not physically ready for long transfers and hikes can get their share of impressions just 50 kilometers from the capital. Here lies a ridge of extinct volcanoes, the highest among them is Ankaratra. The last eruption of these “fire mountains” took place several thousand years ago, but the area is still seismically active, which is periodically felt by the residents of the city of Antsirabe. In the vicinity of the latter, by the way, there is a volcanic lake called Tritriva, the depth of which ranges from 80 to 150 m, depending on the season. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this place; the Malagasy consider it sacred (which, however, does not stop them from charging foreigners money for the right to see the reservoir).

Are you planning to travel around the island during the dry season (March to November)? Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful conservation areas in Madagascar - Parc de Ranomafana. The 41,000-hectare area features hills, plains and highlands, and the local Namorona River boasts many beautiful waterfalls. Mountain rainforests are densely populated by animals, birds and insects. The last item on the list should not scare you; we are talking primarily about the abundance of large and bright butterflies. As for mammals, we traditionally mention lemurs, including golden bamboo lemurs, which were first discovered here just 30 years ago. Ornithologists will be pleased with the opportunity to observe representatives of 96 species of birds living in the park, for which a special platform has been equipped on one of the hills. Ask your guide to take you to the hot mineral springs - swimming is allowed in these natural reservoirs, and in just a few minutes you can relieve fatigue after a forced march over rough terrain.

Among the man-made attractions, the most significant, of course, is the royal hill of Ambohimanga, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here are excavations of palaces, temples and tombs of the island’s medieval rulers. Malagasy people revere this place as a shrine and make pilgrimages to it, and foreign tourists admire the ancient ruins and the panorama of terraced rice fields.

Infrastructure

It’s worth noting right away that Madagascar is not a place for discerning lovers of comfort and all-inclusive service. The vast majority of hotels here have three, less often four stars by international standards. Be careful when booking, the national rating scale is not so strict, and the declared “five star” may in fact turn out to be much more modest than you expect. Just a few years ago, there was a significant difference between the cost of rooms for Madagascars and visitors, but, realizing the detrimental nature of such a policy for the recreational industry, the authorities are taking measures to combat such “discrimination.” 5 star hotel Laguna Blu - Resort Madagascar

Despite the large area, transport links within the island are mainly by road; regional airports exist, but their capacity is limited. Car rental companies are located in the capital and major tourist centers of Madagascar. It is possible to draw up a rental agreement in advance for the period of interest to you, for which it is enough to have a credit card and a national driver’s license. The traffic on the roads is light and the speed limit can be called leisurely. Please note that the roads between small settlements are significantly inferior in terms of coverage to large transport arteries, so you should be careful when traveling.

Those who cannot or do not want to temporarily acquire their own means of transportation travel by bus (the schedule can be checked right at the airport) or use the services of taxi drivers. In the latter case, we recommend agreeing on the cost of the trip before getting into the car - if the price seems too high to you, you can try haggling. The exception is for drivers who have a transportation license; their cars are equipped with a meter, according to which you will pay. You can recognize these “official” taxis in Madagascar by their logo with the inscription Adema.

National cuisine

Walking through nature reserves and historical places of a distant country is, of course, wonderful, but is it worth limiting new experiences only to them? Getting to know unusual Madagascar dishes will be a wonderful addition to the portrait of the exotic island.

The basis of the diet of the local population is rice, flavored with various vegetable additives, spices and sauces. Do you think it looks too much like a pan-Asian restaurant menu? Don't rush to conclusions! Madagascar's herbs and spices are as unique as the rest of its natural environment, so the side dishes taste like nothing you've ever tasted before.

They eat quite a lot of meat on the island, mainly zebu. This antelope is considered sacred among the Malagasy people, but eating it is not prohibited. The most popular serving options are charcoal-baked fillet, stew with vegetables, and garlic-tomato achard sauce. Pork, which is called henakiso here, is also popular; it is cooked with cassava leaves or stewed with eel.

The colonial past is reflected in the culinary traditions: here you can try goose liver, popular with the French, croissants are often served for breakfast, and you will be offered a glass of local white, red or rose wine for dinner. Dessert in Madagascar most often consists of fruits: lychees, bananas, guava.

Gifts and souvenirs

What should you bring as a souvenir of your trip? Spices are the first to come to mind. As already mentioned, there are plantations of natural vanilla; in addition to it, cinnamon, anise and other spices are grown. You can buy them for yourself in small “bundles”, tied with a thin ribbon, and creatively designed sets are suitable as an exquisite present.

Those who take care of obtaining certificates will not encounter problems when exporting jewelry with precious or semi-precious stones, of which there are a great many in local shops.

If the interior of your home allows you to add exotic accents, feel free to go to local woodcarvers, they will offer you expertly made masks and figurines (just avoid the special alualu pillars that are used in funeral rituals).

An interesting and unusual gift for women is a piece of bright fabric in an ethnic style, from which the new owner can sew a bold outfit or wrap herself in it, creating a semblance of a national “lamba”. Men will be glad to have a bottle of local rum or wine, and Madagascar teas will brighten up any friendly gatherings with their unusual aroma and taste.

Security measures

No special vaccination is required before visiting Madagascar, but doctors recommend taking anti-malarial tablets and remembering to take precautions against insect bites. As in all tropical countries, avoid untested water; even wash fruits and brush your teeth with pre-boiled liquid.

Madagascar island on the map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)

The state of Madagascar is located off the southeastern coast of Africa on the island of the same name with a total area of ​​587 thousand sq. km (it ranks fourth in size in the ranking, confidently displacing Sumatra and the UK). The country also owns a scattering of tiny green oasis islands in the neighborhood.

Geographical position

Madagascar is separated from the continent by the Mozambique Strait (which is about five hundred kilometers wide), and is surrounded on the other three sides by the Indian Ocean. Almost the entire coast is a not too wide low-lying strip, abundantly indented by small lagoons and bays.

The closest neighbors are the same island states (but much smaller): Mauritius and Comoros.

The central part is a highland, bounded on the south by the Ivakuani ridges, and on the north by the Tsaratanana massif (this is where the Marumukutru volcano, the highest local peak, is located). This territory is cut by the beds of sixteen rivers - those flowing to the east are particularly full of water and have an abundance of rapids. In the southwest there is a desert region.

The island of Madagascar is divided into several climatic zones. Tropical monsoons reign in the east, so it rains here almost all year round, except for only the beginning of autumn. The thermometer shows from +30 to +15 °C (cold temperatures occur in August-September).

The weather on the west coast depends on the season: from November to April there are showers, the rest of the time it is sunny and moderately warm. In the north there is heat and constant wind, in the central plateau it is much cooler, and there are frosts in the mountains. In the south, eternal drought reigns: precipitation is rare, daytime temperatures range from +24 to +30 °C.

Flora and fauna

Of all the African countries, few are able to surprise with such an abundance of unique fauna. Madagascar is the only place where fossae have been preserved. Here you can find pygmy hippopotamuses, lemurs and civets, ancient bristly hedgehogs, rare bats, chameleons, and geckos. The coastal lagoons are home to manta rays and moray eels.

The world of flora is no less diverse: the island has real mangroves and savannas with huge baobab trees, tropical forests and shrubs - in total more than three and a half hundred species of plants.

State structure

Madagascar island map

Madagascar is a unitary republic comprising six autonomous provinces. Executive power is in the hands of a popularly elected president and prime minister, who is appointed by the head of state. The legislative power is represented by the parliament, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. The country has a multi-party system. The capital is Antananarivo.

Population

The country's population has increased by a third over the past ten years and today amounts to almost 24 million people - this East African republic ranks twentieth in the world in terms of birth rate.

The ethnic composition is predominantly Malagasy (descendants of Austronesian and African settlers), speaking their own dialect. French is used for business communication. In religious terms, the island of Madagascar is unique - half of the local residents officially declare their adherence to the ancient faith associated with the worship of the souls of their ancestors.

Economy

The country is not a prosperous one, but its economy has been actively growing in recent years (largely thanks to abundant foreign investment). The island recently discovered its own oil reserves.

Traditionally, the main part of the income is provided by agriculture (trade in coffee and cocoa, sugar cane, spices). Minerals such as nickel and coal are also exported. Prospects for the development of tourism business are high.

Scientists argue about who first settled this territory: the Bantu tribes who swam across the Mozambique Strait, or the ancient Austronesians. But it is known that in the future the aborigines successfully resisted attempts at colonization. In the 17th century, when the rest of East Africa was practically divided among European powers, Madagascar island only welcomed pirates.

Only at the end of the 19th century, as a result of French intervention, the strategically attractive corner of the coast received a permanent “owner”. During the Second World War, a fierce struggle broke out for the island between the British, Japanese and Germans. Madagascar ceded back to France in 1943, but active political demarches and uprisings of the local population forced the metropolis to recognize the country's independence fifteen years later.

Attractions

Madagascar gives a lot of amazing experiences to fans of ecotourism - here you can look into the mouth of a dormant volcano, swim in the jets of a waterfall, go on extreme rafting, watch whales and sharks. You can experience the local beauty in De Ranomafana Park or in the Tsingi de Bemaraha Nature Reserve, buy unique jewelry in Antsirabe, and enjoy the best snorkeling in Nosy Tanikeli.