The largest African island is Madagascar, located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The island of Madagascar, also formerly known as the Republic of Madagascar, is the fourth largest island in the world (Borneo, Greenland and New Guinea are the only major islands) as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands.
Madagascar is more than 1000 miles long and 350 miles (570 km) wide. After the speculated prehistoric breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent, Madagascar separated from India around 88 million years ago. It has an estimated total population of over 22 million people.
People began settling on the island around 350 BC. and 550 AD. These were the Austronesians from Borneo. Around AD 1000, they were joined by Bantu migrants who crossed the Mozambique Channel from East Africa.
The Malagasy ethnic group forms almost the entire population of Madagascar and is divided into eighteen sub-ethnic groups. They are of mixed Malay-Indonesian and African-Arabic descent. Almost half of Malagasy people are Christians, and Protestants slightly outnumber Roman Catholics.
Once on the islands, days can be spent snorkeling and diving, frolicking on a bike, or just lying on the beach. It’s a place that travelers looking for exotic animals in a secluded tropical setting should consider.
The most striking feature would have to be the steep mountain range along the entire east coast. As you might suspect, you’ll find great hiking (and mountain biking), white-sand beaches (though sharks can be a problem), and classic coral reefs for divers.
The island has several street markets, botanical gardens, a zoo and a museum. It’s always pleasant to head into the rainforest on a misty dawn to hear the eerie, howling calls of troops of indri lemurs.
The island of Madagascar invites you to relax. After the adventurous experiences of the rainforests of Madagascar, the Malagasy culture, i.e. the culture of the people in Madagascar, is also interesting.
In fact, their music has charted among the top music charts in the world. Madagascar is truly an island of exceptional cultural richness.
The fission, which took place millions of years ago, as mentioned earlier, allowed native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and more than 90 percent of its wildlife is found nowhere else on earth than on the island.
You will be surprised to see the most endangered animal species that still exist there in large numbers. There are animals that will fascinate you, while others will leave you amazed or even scared. Some of them that you may not have dreamed of ever exist in this world!
Some of the more well-known animals in Madagascar include aye-aye, black lemur, dwarf lemur (found almost everywhere in Madagascar), bamboo lemur, indri, ring-tailed lemur, falanaka, tenrec, day gecko, spear-nosed snake, tomato frog, pill millipede and many others.
The island’s diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the intrusion of the rapidly growing human population and other negative environmental factors such as pollution, deforestation, brush burning, erosion, etc.
Despite this, the island is still one of the most notable in the entire world.
Fast facts about Madagascar
- Madagascar experiences two seasons. The first is a dry cooler season that starts from May and lasts until October. The second is a hot rainy season that begins in November and lasts through April.
- The island country has a population of 24.89 million as of 2016.
- The country is also called Great Red Island (because of the color of its soil)
- Madagascar is also known by the following names: Madagasikara, Madagascar Republic, Madagascar Republic, Madagasikara Republic, St. Lawrence Island and Madagascar Republic.
- Madagascar is now an island, but it has never been like this before. It was connected to mainland Africa millions of years ago.
- The country was formerly colonized by France. In 1960 it regained its freedom.
- French and Malagasy are the two official languages of Madagascar.
- Madagascar’s economy is not really healthy as around 70% of the residents survive on less than USD 1 a day.
- The country is home to a very young population. Over 60% of the residents are said to be younger than 25 years.