Madagascar - is the largest island off the coast of Africa and around the Indian Ocean.It is often referred to as a kind of miniature continent.This is due to the fact that its flora and fauna is very different from the one that exists on the African continent.Many of their representatives are found only here.Moreover, local landscapes are unique and not repeated anywhere else on the planet.Several thousand years ago, he was a part of a huge continent known as Gondwana, which eventually split.This resulted in South America, Africa, Antarctica and Madagascar itself.Who is the biggest island is separated from the main African continent by the Mozambique Channel, the width of which is about 300 kilometers.
local landscape is diverse.Most of the territory is a plateau.In some areas, it rises above sea level to a height of 2876 meters.Not far from the city of Antananarivo (capital of Madagascar) are mountains Ankaratra, the maximum height of which is equal to 2643 meters.The largest island in Africa also boasts its fertile plains.They are on the east and west coasts.All local rivers empty into the Mozambique Channel and flows from east to west.Though its not much, but every year they attract a huge number of tourists an abundance of waterfalls and its spectacular scenery.
The best time to visit the largest island in Africa, is the period from March to April.In the central part it is recommended to go from November to March.This is due to the specifics of the local climate.The fact that there are wet and dry seasons.On the east coast are almost always rains and strong trade winds lead to the fact that rain jet flying almost horizontally, so they are not saving any awnings and umbrellas.The average winter temperature is 16, and the summer - 34 degrees of heat.
Democratic Republic of Madagascar, which was formed in a military coup in 1975, covers not only the largest island in Africa, but also several small, are nearby.The area of the country is equal to a little more than 587 thousand. Km2.The population of the state is more than 14 million people.Most of them live in the largest cities, including the above-mentioned Antananarivo and Tulear, Toamasina, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa and others.The official in the country are the two languages - French and gelding (one of the dialects of Malagasy).President to lead the country and the head of government is the prime minister.
first European to visit the largest island in Africa August 10, 1500, was the Portuguese Diego Diaz.On the new lands travelers engaged in looting and killings, so as soon as they went in the direction of India, the local population was relieved.Unfortunately for him, six years on the island appeared next European mission.Its members are not very different from its predecessors, so the majority of the adult population of Madagascar was to become slaves.At various times we tried to gain a foothold, the Portuguese, French and English.In 1896, the island became a colony of France.The right to self-government it received in 1958 and the proclamation of independence took place in 1960.
Currently Madagascar comes in many world organizations, including the IMF, the UN, WHO and others.
