Karl WP Beyer Among the largest island states in terms of area, the Republic of Madagascar, with an area of more than 587.000 square kilometers, ranks second after Indonesia. Madagascar is about 400 kilometers as the crow flies off Africa's east coast.
Article overview Antsiranana
Interesting facts about Madagascar
According to the 2018 census, almost 25,7 million people lived in the island nation. Its population is growing rapidly; in June 2020 the population was already estimated at 27,2 million.
Madagascar - an eye-catcher
It is unclear how long Madagascar has been inhabited by humans. The fact is that no Stone Age evidence has been found in Madagascar. Scientists believe that Indonesians settled on the island 2000 years ago. Later, the residents mixed with Africans who pushed onto the island. Between 800 and 900 AD, Madagascar's northern coast was targeted by Arab traders. Their trading activities prospered and the population was also influenced by Arab culture.
Portuguese sailors landed in Madagascar in the first half of the 16th century. However, Europeans did not settle on the island until the end of the 17th century. During the 18th century, two kingdoms competed in Madagascar and the island opened itself to the British. This period ended in 1883 when France made the country its colony. Spices were grown under French rule. Madagascar is particularly famous and valued for its vanilla production. Since 1890, the Grande Nation maintained an important naval base in the Indian Ocean in what is now Antsiranana.
Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960.
Madagascar - Montagne des Français Nature Reserve
Antsiranana – capital of the Diana region
At the northern tip of Madagascar is the Diana administrative district, which covers almost 19.300 square kilometers. The port city of Antsiranana, which was called Diégo-Suarez until 1975, serves as the region's capital.
Madagascar - Photo impression of the provincial capital Antsiranana
According to the 2018 census, Antsiranana's population is estimated at 129.000. In addition to Malagasy ethnic groups, descendants of Comorians, Indians, Pakistanis and Chinese live in the city.
Madagascar is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. This is evident not least in the cityscape of Antsiranana. The city has extensive streets and originally representative colonial buildings from colonial times. However, the decay of the buildings is obvious. Cyclones and the country's lack of financial strength obviously contributed to the disintegration.
Antsiranana center - Hotel de la Marine
Antsiranana is located on a wide bay and developed into the third largest trading port in the country after the withdrawal of the French troops. The city is also an important fishing port. Mainly tuna, shrimp and sea cucumbers are caught and processed into delicacies. Rare earths, metals and gemstones are mined in the region and exported via Antsiranana. Other economic sectors are dedicated to the production of salt, sugar, soap and furniture. There is also a shipyard. This and the sugar factory are among the largest employers in Madagascar.
Madagascar - rice farmers near Nosimbary
Agricultural products such as cotton, coffee, cocoa, essential oils, pepper and vanilla are also exported. The city is also the administrative center of the Diana region. There is a small airport in the southern outskirts.
Tourist destinations nearby
Antsiranana is popular because of its proximity to attractive tourist destinations. The cruise ships touring the Indian Ocean also call at the port city from time to time. However, the ships visit the resort island of Nosy Be more often.
Favorite destinations for cruise ship guests are the Montagne d'Ambre National Park and the sandstone formations of the Tsingy Rouge Park on the east coast of Madagascar. We report on our experiences and experiences below Antsiranana attractions and Shore excursion to Tsingy Rouge Park.
Madagascar - Tsingy Rouge sandstone formation
Update March 2024
