The Republic of Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The island state covers a total area of 587,041 square kilometres, making Madagascar the second-largest island state in the world.
Around 20 million people live in the country, of whom about two million reside in the capital Antananarivo. About half of the Malagasy population are followers of traditional African religions. The country is also home to many Christians and some Muslims. In addition to Malagasy, English and French are among the country’s vehicular languages.
Sights in Madagascar
Many of Madagascar’s cultural and historical sights can be visited in the country’s larger cities. These include, for example, the Queen’s Palace in Antananarivo, the wooden Rova Palace, the Pirate Museum, as well as the capital’s botanical garden and zoo. Another notable sight is the city of Ambohimanga, which is considered the birthplace of the state. This city is known to many as the forbidden or sacred city. Among Ambohimanga’s special sights are the citadel and the royal palace.
The island of Nosy Bé is considered one of the most important holiday islands in the country. Its main attractions certainly include the landscape of lakes, rainforests and waterfalls. The country’s diverse nature is also protected in many of Madagascar’s national parks. These include, for example, the Isalo National Park in the southern highlands or the Ranomafana National Park, home to many lemur species, birds, and other animals.
Location and climate of Madagascar
The island nation of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique. The country is separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel. The total length of Madagascar’s coastline is 4,828 kilometres.
Madagascar has a subtropical to tropical climate. The climate is primarily determined by the island’s location, the monsoon and the altitude. The rainy season in the highlands lasts from about November to April. On the coast, the rainy season lasts from May to September. In the summer, from about October to April, some coastal regions can become very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. In the highlands, however, summer temperatures are milder, reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius.
Arrival and entry
Madagascar is easily accessible via the international airport in Antananarivo. Although this airport is not directly reachable from Germany, there are direct flights from Paris. From the airport, the city centre of Antananarivo, about twelve kilometres away, can be reached by taxi. It is also possible to reach Madagascar by cruise ship. Usually, cruise ships dock briefly in Fort Dauphin.
German nationals require a passport and a valid visa to enter Madagascar. The visa should be applied for in advance at the competent foreign mission. However, tourists planning a stay of less than 30 days may obtain a tourist visa upon arrival directly at the airport. Travellers who have previously stayed in a yellow-fever risk area, such as on the African mainland, must present proof of a valid yellow-fever vaccination upon entry. Tourists should also be aware that photography is prohibited at certain locations, such as at airports, on bridges or in front of government buildings.
