Finding an answer to the question of which Antananarivo is the capital of which country, travelers simultaneously solve the problems associated with choosing a tour and a month for a trip. All three tasks are equally important, because not every country has created favorable conditions for tourists. There are territories in the world where it is dangerous to be due to local military conflicts, natural disasters. The climate in different regions of the Earth and within one large country has significant differences, which must also be taken into account. The right choice of direction and date of travel helps to maximize the use of all opportunities for recreation.
Mysteries of the political map. Antananarivo - the capital of which country?
On the political map of the world there are 196 independent states. In addition, there are more than 70 unrecognized countries and disputed territories. All names are difficult to remember, especially small republics and monarchies. You can use maps and directories, the Internet to find any geographical object. And if the name has changed?
After gaining independence on June 26, 1960, the state on the island of Madagascar was called the Malagasy Republic. What is the name of the country printed on modern political maps? What is the name of the administrative center of the state? Such questions sometimes perplex the inhabitants.
Antananarivo - the capital of which country? The question will not catch by surprise teachers of geography. Seasoned travelers and lovers of exotic places will also give the correct answer without hesitation: "Antananarivo is the capital of the Republic of Madagascar." The island African state is located south of the equator. Its eastern shores are washed by the Indian Ocean, and the western by the Mozambique Channel. Residents of the country mainly speak Malagasy, French and English.
Madagascar on the map
Madagascar is in fourth place in size among the islands of our planet. It is located southeast of the coast of South Africa, separated from the continent by the Strait of Mozambique, the deepest in the southern part.
The city of Antananarivo (Madagascar) is almost completely, with the exception of the extreme south, located in the tropical belt of illumination. The length of the island from north to south is about 1600 km, the distance from west to east exceeds 600 km. The island of Madagascar on a world map is adjacent to Reunion, Mauritius, the Comorian archipelago of the Indian Ocean.
Today the island is considered a popular resort. In recent years, the capital of Antananarivo, Madagascar as a whole, has gained popularity as a region of diverse and quality recreation. Many tourists come here to soak up the tropical sun. There are curious travelers who seek to find out more about the ancient history of the country, visit famous tourist attractions, and join the national traditions.
Best time to visit Madagascar
Finding the answer to the question of which Antananarivo is the capital of which country, travelers simultaneously decide at what time it is better to visit the city? Well, consider it in more detail.
The capital of Madagascar - Antananarivo is located in a humid sub-equatorial climate. South of 20 ° tropical air dominates, more humid on the coast and arid in mountainous terrain. The dry season on the island begins in late March and lasts until October. At this time, it is usually cooler, the weather milder. The average daytime temperatures are 15–17 ° C. The best period for a trip to Madagascar is the period from April to November.
Climate differences in Madagascar
The subequatorial and tropical climate prevails on the island, but there are differences associated with the geographical position, elevation difference and features of the relief. In the lowlands, it is hot throughout the year, and temperatures are moderate on the plateau. Rainfall is associated with the arrival of northeastern monsoons and southeastern trade winds from the ocean.
The east coast, the mountain slopes facing the Indian Ocean evenly receive moisture (3000 mm / year). In this part of the island there is hot weather, which is characterized by average monthly temperatures of 27 ° C.
When moving from the east coast into the island, you can notice how the temperature decreases and the amount of precipitation decreases (2 times).
In the west and southwest of Madagascar there is a lack of moisture. The dry period is characterized by high air temperatures (33 ° C). The mildest climatic conditions in the capital city of Antananarivo. Here, the average temperature of the summer month of January is approximately 20 ° , and in July it drops to 12 ° .
The unique nature of the island
Many species of plants and animals of Madagascar are endemic and are found only in this territory. These include lemurs and baobabs, some birds and predators. The fertile soil of the island, a warm, humid climate are favorable for agriculture, including fishing and forestry. The mainstay of Madagascar's economy is the cultivation and export of coffee, sugarcane, cloves, vanilla, cocoa, rice, bananas, peanuts, and animal products.
The mystery of the name Antananarivo
In ancient times, the area where the capital of Madagascar is now located was called Analamanga, which means "blue forest" in Malagasy.
In the colonial period, the city was renamed in Tananarive, and now they often use the shortened form - Tana. Interestingly, the 12 hills surrounding the city are considered sacred.
It is said that the name Tananarive appeared after a thousand soldiers went to guard it in the 17th century. A castle was built, the walls of which have survived to this day. The city became the capital of Madagascar in the XVIII century, and at the end of XIX was captured by the French. During this period, his appearance acquired French charm, there were many architectural delights and benefits of civilization.
After Madagascar gained independence in 1960, the city continued to grow rapidly. In the modern appearance of Antananarivo, the features of the historical capital of the African state and the French colony are preserved.
Location Antananarivo
A detailed map of Antananarivo will help to consider the fact that the city is located on internal plateaus in the center of the island. 12 km from the capital of Madagascar, there is a large international airport, Iwato. The average height here reaches about 1400 m.
Antananarivo - the political, administrative and economic center of the island, the largest and most developed city in the country. Streets and buildings in the capital are picturesquely rising up the hillsides. It seems that a stream of houses is falling from the mountain.
The city is divided into Upper and Lower parts. The lower city is surrounded by pedestrian boulevards; it is a district of hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, night clubs.
Sights of the capital of Madagascar
Antananarivo has a rich and varied selection of attractions. There are ancient historical monuments and architectural structures. Interactive maps of the city are very popular. With their help, you can plan travel routes in advance in order to inspect and explore all the best that the capital of Madagascar Antananarivo has to offer. Tourists love walking tours to slowly enjoy the magnificent views.
The list of the most important places to visit includes the following attractions:
- Royal Palace;
- the Anglican and the Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church (more than 50 churches in the city and its environs);
- mosque;
- beaches strewn with soft sand, over which the sun is gently shining.
World Heritage Sites in Madagascar
Two natural and one cultural sites on the island are included in the UNESCO heritage list:
- In the metropolitan state is located Royal Hill Ambohimanga. This is a world-famous historical and archaeological monument associated with the ancient history of the Malagasy people. Half a millennium before the appearance of the European on the island, there was a highly developed civilization, the remains of which are kept by Royal Hill.
- On the west coast of Madagascar, in the province of Mahajanga, there is the Zingi de Bemaraha Nature Reserve, recognized as a magnificent natural phenomenon. Here, water and wind created a unique karst landscape. According to the canon, reminiscent of the "stone jungle" river flows. Inhabit the lemur reserve.
- Madagascar's natural phenomenon is the rainforests of Acinanana, which are on the UNESCO list relatively recently (2010).
The list of sights of Madagascar is supplemented by Baobab Avenue, national parks and reserves, workshops of folk crafts and jewelry, picturesque bays and islands in the ocean.