Madagascar - Tourist Information |
Air Travel
Air Madagascar operates four direct flights between Paris CDG and Antananarivo each week. Travellers from North America can fly to Paris to connect with the Air Madagascar or Air France service to...
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Banks and Foreign Exchange
Banking hours are from Monday to Friday: 08h00-16h00.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and at most major hotels. It is advised to take foreign currency in US Dollars. |
Brief History
The written history of Madagascar began in the seventh century A.D., when Arabs established trading posts along the northwest coast of the island. But the first human settlers had arrived, probably...
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Business Hours
Most shops and businesses are open Monday to Saturday: 08h00-12h00 and 14h00-18h00. |
Climate
The climate varies from north to south, east to west and from coastal regions to highland. In general, the climate is tropical with two seasons: dry from April to October / December and rainy from...
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Currency and Credit Cards
The Madagascar currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Denominations are as follows:
Coins 1, 2 iraimbilanja, 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50 ariary.
Banknotes 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000 ariary.
Credit...
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Economy
The country's economy has been following a slow and steady growth path from an extremely low level. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than...
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Electricity
The Madagascar power grid uses 220 volts / 50 Hz. European round two pin plugs can be used. |
Geography
Madagascar is situated about 200 miles off the coast of Africa, across the Mozambique Channel in de south Indian Ocean. Madagascar can be divided into five geographical regions: the east coast, the...
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Media and Television
Madagascar has three main TV stations: RTM, Radio-Television Malagasy, state owned; RTA, Radio-Television Analamanga, privately owned; and MATV, Madagascar TV, privately owned. RTA and MATV broadcast...
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Medical Care
Standards of healthcare throughout Madagascar are well below Western standards. However, there are foreign physicians in Antananarivo representing a broad range of specialties. The hospitals in...
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Physical Features
Physical features of Madagascar include a temperate central highlands, humid valleys and tropical coastal plains, arid in the south.
Madagascar has been called the 'Great Red Island' because of the...
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Political Features
The power of the executive branch is divided between a president who is elected by universal suffrage and a prime minister from the parliament who is nominated by his/her peers but who must be...
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Public Holidays
There are 9 official Public Holidays in Madagascar.
Public Holidays for 2007:
01 January - New Year's Day.
29 March - Commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion
09 April - Easter Monday
01 May -...
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Religion
Religion on Madagascar is divided in 3 groups:
Traditional beliefs 50%
Chritianity 45%
Islam 5% |
Road Travel and Public Transport
Bush Taxis and mini-buses are the main form of transport. Some larger buses run between Antananarivo and Toliara. Most of the vehicles are in a very poor state and are very crowded. Road conditions...
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Security
The major concerns for visitors to Antananarivo are crimes of opportunity such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, or theft from residences and vehicles. To reduce the risk of being victimized, travel...
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Statistics
Population: 18,595,469 million (est. July 2006)
Area: 587,040 km² (water 5,500 km² & land 581,540 km²)
GDP per capita: US$ 900 (est. July 2006)
Languages: Malagasy, French |
Telephones
A fairly modern and reliable telephone service is available in almost all parts of the country. Direct national and international dialling is possible in almost all areas.
The cellular telephone...
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Visa and Entry Requirements
All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries. Proof of return ticket is required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date. If you are arriving from...
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