Madagascar

Description of Madagascar

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo, and is slightly larger than France. It is located in the western part of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of South Africa. Madagascar can be divided into five geographic regions: the East Coast, Tsaratanana massif in the north, the Central Highlands, the West Coast and the South one. The Central Highlands stretch along the entire length of the island and its height varies from 800 to 1800 m. The highest mountain is located in the area of Tsaratanana massif in the northern part of the island.

Madagascar is often called the "Great Red Island" because of its red soil, which is generally unsuitable for agriculture. Madagascar also has amazing limestone formations in the west and north. Known as scurvies, these formations are formed over the years under the influence of rain, leading to the erosion of the limestone base.

Madagascar for over 150 million years has been separated from Africa. Therefore, most of the plants and animals living on the island do not exist anywhere else in the world. Because of its remoteness, Madagascar was populated only 2000 years ago. Malagasies, as the people of this island are called, descended from Indonesians who crossed the Indian Ocean. Arabs and Africans arrived later and made an important contribution to a unique culture that has developed on the island.

After the period of domination of pirates on the east coast, Madagascar was colonized by the French in the late 19th century. Madagascar gained independence in 1960 and today is a democratic state.

About 75% of the species of Madagascar are endemic, which means that they do not exist anywhere else in the world. The island is home to the bizarre animals such as lemurs (from the group of primates), tendracs (like hedgehogs), brightly colored chameleons, puma-shaped fossas and many other creatures. Unfortunately, due to the destruction of their environment and hunting, today many unique animals of Madagascar are under the threat.

Some facts about Madagascar

Gallery of Madagascar

Madagascar video guide

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