20 Interesting Madagascar Facts that You Might Know!

Everyone in this world dreams of finding a beautiful place like heaven! 😇 Where you can find rare and fantastic wildlife 🦘, the native places of epic herbs 🌿, as well as diverse cultures with limitless beautiful nature scenery.

If you are one of them, then Madagascar is the perfect place for you!

The place is situated on the southeast coast of Africa, accounted the fourth largest island globally 🌍. However, this enigmatic place remains shrouded in mystery despite its size, with numerous aspects yet to be explored.

Over the years, Madagascar has been a charming muse for countless documentaries and films, solidifying its status as one of our planet’s most extraordinary and beautiful destinations. So let’s explore the facts about Madagascar; keep scrolling!

Amazing Madagascar Facts That Attract Everyone

It wasn’t found until 500 A.D.

Madagascar has its own history! You might be surprised to know that people from Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia, initially inhabited Madagascar. These early settlers arrived in Madagascar using canoes between 350 BCE and 550 CE.

And to be honest with you! It took almost 500 years for mainland Africans to join them on the island. Isn’t it a wonder that the place isn’t found until 500 A.D.?

As time passed, different groups of settlers from Africa, Asia, and Europe arrived in Madagascar, each adding their unique contributions to the island’s culture and population. This diverse mix of people 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 shaped the rich heritage and vibrant society of Madagascar.

The Marvelous Wildlife of Madagascar

One of the epic things is making Madagascar a rare place in the world is its wildlife because many animals and plants are nowhere else 😮‍💨. It has been separate from other land for a very long time, about 70 million years. First, it moved away from Africa, and then it moved away from India. 

This isolation caused the growth of different types of animals and plants that could only be found in Madagascar. Almost all of the wildlife in Madagascar, about 90 percent, is unique to the island. Some animals that used to live there were big birds that couldn’t fly and small hippos 🦛.

If you are a fan of wildlife and can’t stop yourself from seeing gorgeous birds and beautiful animals, then visiting Madagascar is really worth it!

The Connection Between Humans and Lemurs

You might see animals having backs that are gray to rosy brown with gray limbs and dark gray heads and necks; in short words, ‘Lemurs.’ Fortunately 😎, they really exist In Madagascar!

Lemurs hold great significance and are considered sacred by the people. They are highly respected, cherished, and protected. According to ancient stories, lemurs are believed to have a special connection to humans, often linked through shared ancestors. 

Sadly, lemurs are facing significant threats to their survival 🥺. By 2012, there were 103 different types of lemurs, but most were classified as rare, vulnerable, or endangered. Additionally, some species of lemurs, like the giant lemur, have already become extinct.

Human Rights Protections in Madagascar

Human Rights have become a vital thing in this modern era, especially in underdevelopment countries. However, it’s really surprising that an island like Madagascar has robust safeguards in place to protect human rights 🙂.

The country’s constitution ensures these protections, and Madagascar has also committed to international agreements like the Convention on the Rights of the Children and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The rights of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities are legally safeguarded, and people have the freedom to gather peacefully. State repression and torture are minimal, and there is an active campaign to tackle corruption within the security forces.

Queen Ranavalona III and the French Colonial Era in Madagascar

Queen Ranavalona III governed Madagascar before the French took control. She was the final ruler of the Kingdom of Madagascar 👩 and held power from 1883 to 1897 until the French colonial forces removed her from power. 

Queen Ranavalona III inherited her name from an influential queen named Ranavalona I, who ruled from 1828 to 1861. Queen Ranavalona I worked hard to defend her country’s independence from European influence.

Madagascar’s Role in Pirate History

Madagascar was a well-known spot for pirates in the late 1700s to early 1800s. It attracted many European pirates ☠️ and traders as a convenient and favored resting place. There were even rumors about a pirate nation called Libertalia existing on the island, although its existence is uncertain. 

The story goes that these pirates, known as Liberi, rejected their national affiliations and established their government and laws. They engaged in conflicts against governments and authorities, liberating prisoners and emancipating enslaved people.

Plant-Based Medicine from Madagascar

Madagascar is home to many plants that have unique healing properties. Some plants found there can be used as natural medicines. One such plant is the Madagascar periwinkle. It has vinblastine and vincristine that can help treat serious illnesses like Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and certain types of cancer 😮‍💨. 

These substances are used to make drugs that fight against these diseases. So, by studying and using plants from Madagascar, scientists have found potential treatments for these health conditions.

The Malagasy Cuisine

Madagascar’s cuisine reflects its diverse culture and the influence of different groups of people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 who have settled on the island. It combines flavors from Southeast Asia, Africa, India, China, and Europe. Rice is the main food staple. Modern Malagasy dishes feature garlic, onions, ginger, tomatoes, curry, coconut milk, vanilla, cloves, and turmeric. 

Zebu, a type of African cattle, is a commonly consumed meat, and popular ingredients include peanuts, greens, bananas, and rum. In addition, Madagascar is renowned as a significant global supplier of vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang, coffee, lychees, and shrimp.

Madagascar is frequently referred to as the “Eighth Continent“

Madagascar is frequently called the “Eighth Continent” because it separated from India around 88 million years ago after breaking away from the Gondwana supercontinent about 165 million years ago.

This separation has led to the development of unique animals and plants found only in Madagascar. These distinctive species cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Madagascar Movie Animals versus Reality

In the Madagascar movie, there were some animals like zebras, lions, and penguins that were shown living in Madagascar 🦁. However, only lemurs and fossas are the animals that can be found naturally in Madagascar. Zebras, lions, and penguins don’t live there. 

This means that the movie took some creative liberties by including these animals, even though they are not native to Madagascar.

Madagascar’s Cultural Taboos

Madagascar is full of “Fady” customs, which are essential to understand as a visitor. These taboos are deeply rooted in Malagasy culture and can help you avoid unintentionally disrespecting the locals. 

For example, wearing red clothing to a funeral is considered taboo or Fady, as it is seen as inappropriate. However, wearing red is acceptable during sacrificial ceremonies.

These Fady traditions offer a unique and intriguing insight into the fascinating culture of Madagascar. Remember to be respectful and learn about these customs before your trip.

Home of UNESCO Heritage Site

Madagascar, a country in Africa, is home to three unique places recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The Tsingy is a remarkable sight made up of towering limestone formations that are truly unique.

The Tradition of Ancestral Worship in Madagascar

In Madagascar, people have a unique way of respecting their ancestors. They have a particular tradition where they dig up the bodies of their deceased family members, carefully wrap them in new burial clothes, and then dance with them near their resting place. 

This practice helps them feel connected to their departed loved ones and allows them to honor their memory in a meaningful way.

Adventurous Road Trips in Madagascar

If you’re planning a road trip in Madagascar, be prepared for long hours of driving 🚗. Make sure you have the right playlist to keep you entertained.

Madagascar is a huge island with many attractions, so even short distances might take longer than expected due to bad roads. It’s recommended to have a driver or join a tour package. 

Remember to allocate more time than you think you’ll need for catching flights or reaching places on time. Traveling after dark is unsafe, so you might have to begin your journey early in the morning.

The Red Islands

The “Red Islands” is unique and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In Madagascar, there are forests made up of limestone 🌲, a type of rock, and caves underwater.

This is why people often call Madagascar the “Great Red Island.” The soil there contains lots of iron and aluminum, which give it a rich red color. It’s truly a remarkable place with stunning natural beauty. 

The Vanilla Fields

Madagascar, a country situated off the coast of East Africa, is known for having most of the world’s vanilla fields. It is home to over two-thirds of the global vanilla production. 

The good news is that vanilla is a product that can be easily transported, making it a great choice as a souvenir or gift for your family and friends.

By buying vanilla from Madagascar, you get a delicious product, contribute to the local economy, and support the livelihoods of the people who grow and produce it.

Madagascar’s Five Main Geographical Regions

Madagascar has five major geographical areas: the Central Highlands, the Massif in the north, the East Coast, the west coast, and the Southwest. The country is also crisscrossed by sixteen rivers, varying in length from 100 to 350 miles.

Unfortunately, there are not many lakes in Madagascar. The biggest lake, Lac Alaotra, is surrounded by ecologically important marshlands. However, these marshlands are under significant threat from human activities, which puts much pressure on them.

Madagascar is the Home to Over Half the World’s Chameleons

Madagascar is home to many chameleons, fascinating creatures that can change their colors. Not only does Madagascar have unique lemurs, but it also boasts a significant population of chameleons. 

Out of approximately 150 species of chameleons worldwide 🦎, more than half of the total count is found in Madagascar. This island is like a paradise for those interested in chameleons because it offers a wide variety of these incredible reptiles with their unique adaptations and colors.

The Meaning Behind Madagascar’s Flag

The flag 🚩 of Madagascar consists of red, white, and green colors. It holds various interpretations: red symbolizes sovereignty, green represents hope, and white signifies purity, according to some historians. 

Another view suggests that red and white represent the country’s history and social hierarchy, while green means the ordinary people’s longing for freedom. Initially, the red and white colors were used during the rule of the Merina Kingdom.

The green color is associated with the Hova people, the largest group of commoners who played a crucial role in the fight for independence.

The Diverse Heritage of Madagascar

Madagascar is a diverse place with a rich mix of different cultures and influences. The people of Madagascar have ancestors from Asia and Africa, and the island is home to various foreign cultures. France, India, Pakistan, China, and the nearby Comoros Islands have significantly impacted the country. 

Even though Madagascar is much closer to Eastern Africa than Borneo, the first settlers came from Indonesia, Sumatra, and Java. Over time, people from Eastern Africa also migrated to Madagascar and are now spread across the country. Despite this, many Malagasy people do not identify themselves as African 👩🏿‍🦲.

Those mentioned above are some fantastic facts about Madagascar. To know more about such amazing facts, visit our website.