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

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

Tourists are attracted by the red-green hills of Madagascar, covered with a non-pence - a plant that feeds on insects. Here you will find many kilometers of beaches and forests filled with exotic flowers. Ravenals and orchids are found everywhere in Madagascar. Here you will also find waterfalls, geysers and picturesque lakes, located in the vents of extinct volcanoes. Madagascar is a unique island reserve, located near the eastern coast of South Africa, separated from it by the Mozambique Channel. A variety of local nature will give true pleasure to travelers.

The first inhabitants of the island

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

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

Arabs and Marco Polo

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

Arrival of Europeans

At the turn of the 15-16 centuries. The Europeans arrived on the island. For the first time this happened when the ship Diogo Dias, a traveler from Italy, was off course, heading to India. The European ship for the first time stuck to the shores of Madagascar. Since the island had an important position for the spice merchants who were circling the whole of Africa, France and Britain tried to establish their outposts here. However, hostile locals and the inhospitable climate that caused illnesses made this task almost impossible.

Pirates on the island

Since the 17th century, Madagascar was known as a paradise island for pirates and slavers. This was due to its convenient location, as well as the fact that there were almost no colonial authorities. This island was called by its second homeland such famous pirates as William Kidd, Robert Drury, John Bowen, etc. The photo above shows the cemetery of pirates (Santa Maria).

Activity of Maurice Benevsky

In 1772, Moritz Benevsky, a Slovak adventurer, devised a plan for the development of Madagascar. Louis XV supported him in this. In February 1774 Moritz arrived here accompanied by 237 sailors and 21 officers. The aborigines did not actively resist, and almost immediately began the construction of a city called Luibur, which became the capital of the island. Local leaders in 1776 elected Benevsky King. However, the French were alarmed by the influence of the Slovak, who had already created an independent militia of local residents. The government stopped helping him. As a result, Benevsky was forced to retreat from his plan and return to Paris.

Authority on the island in the 19th century

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

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

20th century in the history of the country

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

After the Gaullist part of France seized power in 1943, revolutionary unrest began in Madagascar. In 1947, they spilled over into an armed struggle for independence. In 1958, France granted independence to its colony, despite the fact that the uprising was suppressed. October 14, 1958 was proclaimed the Autonomous Republic of Malagasy, which was under the protectorate of France. Two years later, this republic declared its independence. The power was in the hands of the Social Democratic Party headed by Filiber Tsiranana.

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

Education of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar

In 1975, the state appeared Democratic Republic of Madagascar. The construction of socialism began on the island. Madagascar undertook to strengthen ties with the Soviet Union. Perestroika in the USSR led to similar processes on an island called Madagascar. The Republic restored its multiparty system only in 1990. Demonstration against the government was shot in 1991. Democratization and market reforms began since the presidency of Alber Zafi, who came to power in 1992.

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

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

Neighborhoods Antananarivo

The capital of the state, Antananarivo (Tana), is the largest and most interesting city. The ancient land of Imerina, where the neighborhood of the capital is located, is quite picturesque. Huge rice fields alternate here with unprocessed land in the north, the gorges are divided by hills, and sacred lakes are surrounded by groves of fruit trees.

Neighborhoods Antananarivo is the granary of the country, its historical, economic and cultural center. Great interest for tourists is the ruins of the castle of King Ralambu dating back to the 16th century. They are on the hill of Ambuhidrabibi. Noteworthy is the palace and fortress of the king, created in the 18th century. You will find them on the hill of Ambuhimanga. The zebu market is very popular, located in Mandrasua (Republic of Madagascar). The sights of the capital region are numerous and varied, you do not have to be bored here.

The coldest city

Madagascar is a place where you are unlikely to freeze at any time of the year. The weather here is characterized by an abundance of hot sunny days. Due to this, many tourists choose for recreation such a country as the Republic of Madagascar. The climate here is humid tropical in the southern part of the island, and in the northern one - subequatorial. The hottest places are on the north-west coast, where the temperature of the day sometimes reaches 35 degrees. Where to hide from this heat? Go to Antsirabe.

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

Natural sights of the capital region

In this area are also remarkable volcanic lakes Tritriva (pictured below), Tatar and Andraitikib, the Antafufu waterfalls. Ambusitra is a picturesque villa area located along the artificial lake Mantasua. Tourists are sure to be interested in the beautiful lakes of Kavitaha and Itasi, as well as the Perine nature reserve.

L'Ankaratra is a picturesque mountain range, located to the southeast of the capital. This is a great place for hiking and active recreation. Halfway between the east coast and the capital, in Muramanga, is the Museum of the National Gendarmerie. Dead lake, one of the wonders of the island, is located next to Antsirabe. It is a small pond (about 50 by 100 meters) with almost black water, which is surrounded by granite rocks. About 400 meters is the depth of this crystal-clear lake. However, there is practically no living creature in it, and nobody managed to cross it.

Dam complexes

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

East of Madagascar

The East of Madagascar is washed by the Indian Ocean. This part of the island was overgrown with remains of a forest that had previously covered its entire territory. Numerous rivers cross mountain ranges. The coastal lowland is a narrow strip of plain about 55 km wide, which is fringed on one side by forests, and on the other by the sea. In this area there is a very humid climate, rains almost continuously here. Therefore, in the eastern part of the island formed a unique rainforest. Madagascar is a republic whose animals and plants cause real delight in children and their parents. For those who want to fully enjoy the richness of local nature, the eastern parts of the country will be suitable for recreation. Here on 700 km, from Manakara to Toamasina, the canal Pangalan stretches, where many fish and birds dwell. Dozens of species of interesting relict animals inhabit the surrounding forests.

Tuamasina

The second largest city on the island, as well as its largest port, is Tuamasina (Republic of Madagascar). Tours here are also very popular. In the vicinity of the city you will find many excellent recreational areas, such as the sea resorts of Mahambu and Manda Beach, the spa resort of Mahavelona (Fulpuent). And not far from the coast, in the ocean, lie the islands of Nusi-Burach, Ile-o-Prun, Nusi-Ilintzambu, Ile-o-Nutt, Madame and others. These are beautiful beach resorts of a country like Madagascar.

The Republic of Madagascar is a great place to relax. The island will be especially liked by nature lovers. Madagascar is a republic, which in recent years is often called the "vanilla island." This is not surprising, because there is a unique animal and plant world, and guests are met by friendly residents. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, feel free to go to Madagascar! The Republic is always glad to tourists.