3. Fact file
Currency: Malagasy Ariary
Language: Malagasy, French
Capital City: Antananarivo
Largest City: Antananarivo
Religion: Mainly traditional beliefs
Population: 22,005,222
Type of government: Caretaker
government
Exchange rate: 2,768.71 = I euro
4. Climate
In Madagascar the weather remains pleasant through
the year. The coastal regions are comparatively warm
than the other places. Mainly two seasons are
perceived in the country. These are summer and
winter. Summer months are hot and wet. Rainfalls are
frequent in this period. The summer season rules
between the months of November and April. On the
other hand the winter months are cold and dry.
Between the months of May and October you will find
this winter season. Beware of the cyclones that often
prevail over the land of Madagascar. The months
between December and March are characterized by
heavy rainfalls.
5. Culture
Music
Most contemporary and traditional
Malagasy music has dance rhythms with
influences from Indonesia and the African
mainland, Kenya. These rhythms are
accompanied by the flute, whistle and
valiha.
6. Culture
Special Holidays and events
Madagascar has a lot of holidays and festivals.
The usual Christian holidays like Easter and
Christmas are celebrated, as well as Insurrection
Day (29 March, to celebrate the rebellion against
the French in 1947). Organisation of African Unity
Day (25 May); Anniversary Day (8 May) and
Republic Day (30 December). In March,
Alahamady Be is the low key Malagasy New Year.
The Donia, a traditional music festival, is held on
Nosy Be in May through June.
7. Politics
Politics of Madagascar takes place in a framework
of a semi-presidential representative
democratic republic, whereby the President of
Madagascar is head of state and the Prime
Minister of Madagascar is head of government,
and of a pluriform multi-party system.
President of Madagascar - Andry Rajoelina
8. Religion
55 Percent of the population abides by
the traditional beliefs
40 Percent are Christians
The remaining 5 Percent of the
population are Muslims.
10. Capital city - Antananarivo
Itis also known by its French colonial
shorthand form Tana.
The larger urban area surrounding the
city, known as Antananarivo-Renivohitra is
the capital of Analamanga Region.
11. Places to visit
1. Tsingy de Bemaraha
The alien-looking karst limestone formations of
Tsingy de Bemaraha are unique on Earth and
have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage
Site list, in 1990. The southern part of the area was
transformed into a national park, open to tourists,
while the northern side remains a carefully
protected natural reserve.
12. 2. Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga is considered the
birthplace of the Malagasy people and
therefore, a significant symbol of cultural
identity.
Ambohimanga is located just 20 km from
the capital Antananarivo
13. 3. Ranomafana National Park
Located in the southeastern part of the
island, Ranomafana National Park is a
41,600 ha rainforest, with a huge diversity
of wildlife. 12 species of cute lemurs and a
wide array of lizards and birds call this
place home.
