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15 Fascinating Facts About Madagascar

Most people are familiar with Madagascar thanks to the movie that popularised both the location, people and wildly interesting animals.  The area is much more than just a few movies, though. For this reason, it’s important to understand that there are many things that make Madagascar so special.

I’ve always thought that this country would be very ideal for a romantic getaway and the perfect place to unwind. There are enjoyable facts about Madagascar that are worth knowing and are interesting too. 

1. Madagascar is one of the largest islands in the world

Of all the islands in the world, Madagascar is certainly one of the largest. Many coral reefs and beaches may be found throughout the more than 5,000 km of coastline. Also immensely varied are the terrain and landscape. This is the one country that has highlands, cliffs, volcanoes, rainforests and a wide variety of habitats and landscapes, if you ever visit this country be prepared to be mindblown. 

2. They suffer from decreased plant life 

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Not many people are aware that Madagascar actually suffered from deforestation. There are fewer plants everywhere in the country as a result of logging, grazing, and other activities.

The burning of land for agriculture, on the other hand, is one of the main causes of deforestation today. Such methods are not long-term and endanger the nation’s wildlife and plants.

3. It used to be a French colony

The first European to record the existence of this island was Marco Polo, who also gave the country Madagascar its name.

In its early years, the country was colonised by the French, and French was the official language. Despite the nation’s 1960 Declaration of Independence, French influence is still somewhat evident.

4. Madagascar has remained economically poor throughout its independence

With a GDP per capita of €652, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries despite having a rich ecology and biodiversity. Over the years, there has been a great deal of political unrest and instability in the nation.

This is one of the saddest facts about this country. Since Madagascar’s independence, the economy has remained weak due to the incompetence of the government.

5. There are more than 10,000 endemic plant species here

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Madagascar is well-known for being one of the world’s top hotspots for biodiversity. Actually, this area is home to more than 10,000 indigenous plant species. Many of these species are threatened, though.

The baobab tree is a special species that is only present here. The people worship these ancient trees since they have been growing for so long. There are a lot of these all around the country.

6. The people here believe in magic, taboo and ancestors

Here, you will meet folks who have strong beliefs in magic, ancestors, and taboo. Some of the most fascinating cultural facts about Madagascar can be found in these traditional beliefs.

Even in the modern world, people consider their departed relatives to still be a part of their family. To ensure that their deceased is as close to heaven as possible, local people also bury their dead at great heights in caverns and cliffs.

7. Only 11% of the roads are paved here

Because of the weak infrastructure in the country, getting where you want to go will take some time. You should be prepared for bumpy journeys because only 11% of the roads in this area are paved. Most of the roads are muddy and include bumps, potholes, and other dangers and they are even worse when it rains. 

8. Madagascar people speak Madagasikara

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Madagascar is known as Mada or Madagasikara in the Malagasy language, which is used as the official language. So if you hear people speaking in Madagascar understand that it is Madagasikara.

9. Most of the chameleon population of the world lives in Madagascar

Madagascar is home to more than 300 different species of reptiles, including the majority of the world’s chameleons. This region is home to both the largest and smallest chameleons in the world, the Parson’s and the dwarf, respectively. Many of these species nearly sixty in total are unique to this country and cannot be found elsewhere.

10. Zebu is the national animal of the country

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Zebu, a breed of cattle with a thick hump on their shoulders and horns, is the nation’s emblem. These animals from Madagascar can withstand extreme heat and drought, which is one of their most outstanding characteristics. Thereby, these animals are used for transportation by the natives.

These animals are also raised for their meat and horns, in addition. The horns, for instance, are used both as ornaments and as tools.

11. They have giraffe weevils 

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In Madagascar, you will discover Giraffe Weevils but no giraffes. These tiny insects are creatures of the tropical rainforest. These insects woo and fight for the females with their necks.

These insects have been given the nickname “giraffe bugs” since even common giraffes commonly fight with their necks. The insects are tiny, and unless you deliberately search for them in the rainforest, you won’t find them.

12. There are over seventy species of lemurs in Madagascar

There are more than 70 lemur species in Madagascar that are unique to the whole world. The ring-tailed lemur, grey mouse lemur, Verreaux sifaka, and many other lemur species are among the most well-known ones. Widespread lemurs are the ring-tailed ones that are actually considered to be the smartest ones. 

13. Their most famous king had a very long name

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the past, Madagascar has had many kings and queens Andrianampoinimerina was the most well-known king, his name was not only long but had a long meaning as well, the name means “The One Who Will Always Be in Merinas’ Heart.”

14. Most of the houses in the country were made from reed or wood

Before 1860, wood or reed were used to build the majority of the country’s homes. Stone was thought to be a non-living material, which is why it was appropriate for sculptures and tombs. The stone was only later allowed to be used for homes and other structures of this nature after a royal order was issued.

15. One of the largest coral reefs is in Madagascar

The Toliara reef, which may be found here, is one of the world’s biggest coral reefs. Coral bleaching has caused half of the corals to die, making it a threatened coral reef system. If you ever get to travel to Madagascar, you may get to see it, though, and it is undoubtedly the most stunning coral reef system you will ever see.

Is there anything else about Madagascar that you think we’ve left out? we’d like to know. I personally would love to visit this beautiful country and discover all their diversity, they have a rich cultural background and is a country that happens to have a mix of different cultures across the world, could it be more interesting than that?