Madagascar: Ancient Baobab Trees, Unique Wildlife & Other Interesting Facts
The Republic of Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa.
With a population of 22.92 million (2013), Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. The country is about the size of Texas.
Lavaka, Madagascar
Official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French.
Baobab (Adansonia) in south-west Madagascar by Calibul
The baobab tree is the national tree of Madagascar. Because of its shape, this ancient tree is also known as the ‘giant up-side down tree’.
The iconic baobab tree (mostly found in Africa) can store up to 120,000 liters of water at a time. These trees date back to several thousand years.
Rhino baobab
At the Reniala Private Reserve in Madagascar for example, tourists are treated to different types of baobab trees of various shapes.
Visitors can also discover thousands of plant species unique to this part of the world.
Tea-pot baobab
Of the nine known species of the baobab tree in the world, “six are native to Madagascar, two are native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one is native to Australia” (wikipedia.org)
White-eye bird Lac Alarobia by Francesco Veronesi
80% of animals found in Madagascar do not exist anywhere else on earth.
These animals include various species of lemurs, frogs and birds. Most of them are endangered.
Black and white ruffed lemur in Mantadia, Madagascar by Frank Vassen
Madagascar houses approximately half of the world’s chameleon species, and 100% of the world’s lemurs. Over 50 species of lemurs exist here.
Lemur by Luc Legay
The people of Madagascar are mostly a blend of Indonesians and black Africans; they make up some 18 different ethnic groups.
Most Malagasy (55%) practice traditional spiritual beliefs, while 40% are Christians, and Muslims constitute 5% of the population.
Two thirds of the people of Madagascar reside in rural areas.
The staple food of the Madagascar people generally consists of rice, vegetables, meat, fish and fruits.
View Antananarivo by Bernard Gagnon
Antananarivo (popularly known as Tana), a city that stands on a hill, is the vibrant capital city of Madagascar.
Would you like to visit and discover Madagascar’s beautiful treasures? Leave a comment!
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