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Madagascar: Islands
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Madagascar's population is predominantly of mixed Asian and African origin. Recent research suggests that the island was uninhabited until Indonesian seafarers arrived in roughly the first century A.D., probably by way of southern India and East Africa, where they acquired African wives and slaves. Subsequent migrations from both the Pacific and Africa further consolidated this original mixture, and 18 separate tribal groups emerged. Asian features are most predominant in the central highlands people, the Merina (3 million) and the Betsileo (2 million); the coastal people are of more clearly African origin.
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Madagascar has been badly affected by Cyclone Ivan, which struck on 17 February. At least two deaths have been reported, hundreds of people have been left homeless, and flooding is widespread. Travellers to the island should monitor weather reports closely, and expect disruptions to transport and communications services.
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Rapid deforestation on the island of Madagascar has been an important factor in many global issues such as global warming, desertification, soil erosion and decreased biodiversity. Biodiversity is of particular concern for Madagascar as the rosy periwinkle, which is found almost exclusively on the tiny island off the coast of East Africa, is essential for the treatment of leukemia. Additionally, 90% of it's 250 species of reptiles, 29 of it's lemur species and 80% of it's plant species are unique to the island. If the forests continue to be rapidly destroyed without taking this biodiversity measure into account, it could have serious ramifications on the world. Madagascar's historic problem of deforestation can be linked to the detrimental policies of the colonial state in terms of land use and agriculture.
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The written history of Madagascar begins in the 7th century AD, when Arabs established trading posts along the northwest coast and first transcribed the Malagasy into the Arabic-based alphabet Sorabe. European contact began in the 1500s, when Portuguese sea captain Diogo Dias sighted the island after his ship separated from a fleet going to India. The Portuguese continued trading with the islanders and named the island as "São Lourenço"(Saint Lawrence).
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Traveling around in Madagascar is not for everybody. The oldest road is not yet 100 years old and tourism is a very young industry. Many conveniences available and expected in heavily traveled places like Europe or North America simply do not exist. If you insist on exact schedules, well-planned itineraries and plush accommodations, if you want to be able to hop on the next plane or place an urgent long-distance phone call, you are better off staying in Tana! However, if you are flexible and looking for the unexpected, if you want to meet an extraordinary people, there is much to be discovered in this fascinating island.
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Madagascar is a must-see place. This island in the sun lies off the tropical east coast of Africa. Fourth in size in the world as far as islands go, Madagascar's incredible range of contrasts compare well with any continent! A time machine is no longer necessary. Come to Madagascar. Resort island beaches and quality Madagascar hotels beckon.
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