Quick Facts About Madagascar
Land and geographical Area: It has a total surface of 587,040 km². It is the 4th largest island in the world. It has 1550 km from North to South and 575 from West to East, and almost 5000 km of coastline. The highest peak is the Mount Maromokotra (2.880 m. high)
Population: (2009 estimate) 21,000,000
Capital City: Antananarivo
Climate: Madagascar has several climatic zones depending on the altitude and location. The climate ranges from humid tropical to semi-arid, with a rainy season from November to April and a dry one the rest of the year
Language: French, Malagasy
Religion: Indigenous beliefs, Christian, Muslim
Currency: Malagasy franc
Main cities: Fianarantsoa, Antsiranana (Diégo-Suarez), Toamasina; Antsirabe and Mahajanga
Economy: The main economic resources are the textile and mining industry, agriculture and tourism.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are generally two-pin.
Best Time to Visit Madagascar
When to Visit Madagascar
When planning a trip to Madagascar, it is advisable to know the main reason of travel. Each season has its extra-ordinary features or highlights
Madagascar runs across several latitudes and its climate varies. The north is hot and tropical, the west temperate, the east wet and the south has a dry, Austral climate.
The most rainfall is from January to March and cyclones can occur in February: The touristic season begins in April after the cyclones. The rainy season is almost over but some areas are still hard to reach because of the terrible roads after the rainfalls.
The most pleasant period is between May to October with cooler temperatures and little rain
The months of July and August are the peak of the “high season” because it is the time when most tourists visit the island for holidays.
September to December are also a very popular period to visit Madagascar as it is hotter and does not rain
The climate of Madagascar is subtropical, with a hot and rainy season between November and April (summer), and a cooler dry season from May to October (winter).
Madagascar Language
Madagascar has 18 tribes. Malagasy is the national language for Madagascar, a language of Malayo-Polynesian origin, which is generally spoken throughout the island. French is the second official language. English is also gaining popularity in the region.
Flights
There are many airlines that fly from different parts of the continent to Madagascar.
Visas requirement to Madagascar
All visitors must have a visa to enter Madagascar. Visas can be obtained in advance at any Malagasy embassy or consulate. One-month, single-entry visas are available on arrival at Ivato airport in Antananarivo. Visas are valid for up to three months from the date of entry and must be used within six months of the date of issue.
