Article Outline
Madagascar, republic in the Indian Ocean, separated from the south-eastern coast of Africa by the Mozambique Channel. In full the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, it is made up of Madagascar Island, the fourth-largest island in the world, and several small islands. The country’s total area is 587,041 sq km (226,658 sq mi). Madagascar was annexed by the French in 1896 and became self-governing within the French Community in 1958 as the Malagasy Republic. It gained full independence in 1960 and took the name Democratic Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Antananarivo is the capital and largest city.
A central mountainous plateau, partly volcanic in origin, dominates the island of Madagascar. The highest point is Mount Maromokotro in the north, at 2,876 m (9,436 ft). In the centre, the massive Ankaratra Mountains, near Antananarivo, reach a height of 2,643 m (8,671 ft). The land slopes steeply to a narrow lowland bordering the Indian Ocean in the east and to a somewhat wider coastal plain along the Mozambique Channel in the west. The country’s best soil is found along the coast and in river valleys of the central plateau. There are problems of severe loss of forest cover accompanied by erosion.
The major rivers of Madagascar are the Betsiboka, Tsiribihina, Mangoky, and Onilahy; all rise in the uplands near the eastern coast and flow west to the Mozambique Channel through fertile valleys. By contrast, rivers flowing to the Indian Ocean are short and swift, frequently plunging from the uplands in waterfalls. The largest lake is Alaotra, near Toamasina.
The eastern part of Madagascar receives a lot of rain, brought by south-easterly trade winds; annual rainfall in some places exceeds 3,050 mm (120 in). The central plateau gets considerably less moisture, and arid areas in the south and south-west receive less than 380 mm (15 in) per year. Most of the rain falls from November to April. The coastal regions are generally hot throughout the year. The central plateau has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters.
