Madagascar is in the Indian Ocean
28579
Travel & Leisure
Jun 19, 2007
amarticles-linda
Madagascar is in the Indian Ocean
Madagascar is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, off the south eastern coast of Africa. It is ringed by golden beaches and palm trees and with an interior that is resplendent in its variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque forests and natural reserves. According to local legend, the island was first inhabited by the Vazimba, a race of white pygmies. These people, if they existed, were displaced by successive waves of Polynesian migrants from the Malayo Indonesian archipelago, from as early as the sixth century AD. In the ninth century, Madagascar was a major trading power in the western Indian Ocean. Moreover, ancient ruins indicate an extensive Arab presence on the island around that time. Bantu tribes from mainland Africa later settled on the west coast. The first Europeans arrived in the mid 17th century. Several French settlements were established on the south east coast but were destroyed within 30 years. At the time, Madagascar supported several kingdoms along its coastline and, in the central highlands, the kingdom of the Merina, which was the dominant ethnic group. From their fortress city of Antananarivo, the 19th century kings gradually conquered the coastal kingdoms and by 1830 most of the island was under unified Merina control. The success of the Merina was partly due to a well-worked strategy of playing off rival European colonists against each other: in particular, the British and the French. In 1948, the Malagasy people sought to re establish their independence through armed insurrection. They were unsuccessful, but the uprising paved the way for independence, which came in 1960. Philibert Tsiranas PSD Party ruled with the support of France and the people of the coastal regions until 1972, when highland agitation against French influence prompted the Army Chief of Staff, Major General Ramanantsoa, to assume executive power for the purpose of pursuing a more nationalistic policy. Three years later the military government resigned after selecting Lt Commander Didier Ratsiraka as Head of State. A gradual civilianisation of the government culminated in 1977 in elections to the National People's Assembly, which were won by the sole legal party, Avant garde de la Revolution Malgache. Recent years have been marred by political, economic and meteorological crises. Indeed, some may be deterred by the levels of poverty on this island and the enormous gap between rich and poor. Nevertheless, Madagascar dazzles with its rich wildlife, with a large majority of its species unique to the island, and found nowhere else on earth. Of the popular creature, the lemur, there are over 10 different species alone. The island is a mass of unusual and colourful flowers and other flora. In terms of biodiversity alone, Madagascar really is one of a kind.
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Madagascar Rental Site
send email to amarticles-linda
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Waikiki means sprouting water in Hawaiian, named after the wetlands just behind the now famous strip.
Category:
A cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world thats dotted with more than fifty islands. Beautiful beaches, expansive parks, fascinating Polynesian culture.
Category:
The main port serving Eritrea, Massawa became an urban centre in ancient times. It is the largest natural deep water port on the Red Sea.
Category:
The city palace or royal residence is a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles by projected balconies, arches on slender pillars and entrances.
Category:
Whether you are seeking the bustling energy of a cosmopolitan city, the thundering thermal energy in the ground beneath your feet, or the quiet green energy of the landscape surrounding the city, Reykjavik promises a memorable visit.
Category:
Almost all visitors to the Westfjords go to West Iceland first and either heading by road for the looping fjord coast or the Strandir shore, or skirting the southern Westfjords after arriving by road or ferry.
Category:
If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate.
Category:
Excellent cultural amenities, stunning gardens, and fabulous nature walks.
Category:
The Comoros Islands are wrapped in a fragrant blend of oil, Arabic aesthetics, African warmth and French chic.
Category:
Stroll through the funky town of Haleiwa and its colourful assortment of surf shops, boutiques, art galleries and eateries.
Category:
Stena Line operates two types of ferry between Stranraer and Belfast.
Category:
Stroll the 3km long sandy beach at Parnu, a small town situated on the banks of the Parnu River where it emerges into the Gulf of Riga. Established in the 13th century, the town is known as a seaport and a health resort.
Category:
Kochis natural environment has instilled a unique temperament in its people.
Category:
Other links at Travel & Leisure
Dining at restaurants or shops allows visitors to partake of attractive Japanese cuisine and enjoy the atmosphere.
Category:
New Gatwick parking changes that came into effect on the 1st August angered many motorcyclists around the country.
Category:
Condominium hotels, also called condotels, are a comparatively new conception in vacation home ownership.
Category:
It's never too early to start getting your seats reserved at the 2010 World Cup. World Cup Soccer tickets are tough to find, but you can get your 2010 dream seats with planning and a little know how.
Category:
Everybody would want to have a smooth check in without having the need to either leave some prohibited items. Here are a few tips to make your travel a leisurely one.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68309
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
