Fort Dauphin Country Guide
Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse-rich countries of the world. Unique combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. Madagascar is a country that is quickly becoming a 'must see' on the travellers' map, and for very good reason: Animal species that can only be seen (and heard!) in Madagascar, a fascinating mixture of Asian, African and Middle Eastern cultures and a welcoming aura of peace and kindness unlike any other.
Come see exotic and enticing Madagascar for yourself!
Madagascar is still known by many only due to the recent Pixar movie. While those animals never even make it to Madagascar, nor do most of those animals even exist in Madagascar, there is a reason they chose to name the movie after this country. The name brings up images of strange and unfamiliar animals, exotic and distant lands, all with a touch of harshness yo let us know that there are still a lot of unknown and unexplored parts in the country and many dramatic differences in terrain, lifestyle and culture.
Our Madagascar Country Guide below gives some quick facts and background information to let you learn a little more about the country. Our Fort Dauphin Destination Guide gives more detailed information about Fort Dauphin, including things to see and do. Information about tours and activities can be found in our Fort Dauphin Tours page.
Check out the latest Madagascar Travel features on YouTube.
Madagascar Country Guide
Useful information on this page includes:
Currency/Money
Electricity
Embassy Information
General Information
Population - 18 million people
Total Area - 587,040 square kilometres
Capital - Antananarivo (1.25 million people)
Time Zone - GMT/UTC +3 hours time zone
To view the current time in Antananarivo, click on this link to TimeAndDate.com.
Language
The official language of Antananarivo is Malagasy, which is spoken by 90 percent of the population. French and English are also spoken, mostly in larger cities and towns and popular tourist destinations.
Some handy Malagasy phrases for travellers to know include:
Hello: pronounced Manao ahoana
Good Bye: pronounced Veloma
Where: pronounced Aiza
Thank you: pronounced Misaotra
How much: pronounced Ohatrinona
Yes: pronounced Eny
No: pronounced Tsia
One: pronounced Iray
Two: pronounced Roa
Three: pronounced Telo
Public Holidays
Click here to view a list of current public holidays for Madagascar.
Madagascar's diversity is reflected in its plentiful colourful festivals. Alahmady Be opens the traditional Malagasy year, followed by the rice harvest (May) and Donia, a celebration of traditional music on Nosy Be resort island (May/June). The 'turning of the bones' (July-September) and 'cleansing of the relics' (September-November) ceremonies fill out the calendar.
Alongside the old traditions are the Catholic spiritual calendar - Easter, Assumption (August 15th), All Saints Day (November 1st) and of course, Christmas - and the calendar of political milestones: the 1947 uprising against French rule (March 27th), Independence Day (June 26th), with the Republic's Anniversary on New Year's Eve bringing in the New Year.
Religion
Visas/Passports
Only Malagasy citizens can travel to Madagascar without a visa. All other nationalities are required to have a visa upon entering Madagascar. You will need a passport that is valid for at least the next 6 months. It is about €40 for a one month tourist visa.
Beware of entry scams: do not scammed by anyone who insists that you need their help to get a visa. Only the Embassy is able to provide this service.
Location
Madagascar is located in the Southern hemisphere, separate by the Canal of Mozambic to the west and bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east At 587 040 km², Madagascar is larger than France. To view a map of Madagascar, click on this link to WorldAtlas.com.
It's the fourth biggest island in the world. Several other island in the vicinity include La Réunion, Mauritius, the Maldives and Comoros.
People
Provinces and Major Cities
Madagascar is divided into six provinces, namely: Antananarivo (the capital), Fianarantsoa, Tulear, Majunga, Tamatave and Diego. Major places of interest include the economic and business hub of Antananarivo, the beaches and National Parks of the South, the mountains of the North and the coastal boat trips of the East.
Climate/Weather
July to September is the hot/dry season, and is the ideal time to come to Antananarivo. October to April is the rainy season, Madgascar's cool/wet season. The highest levels of rainfall occur from November to January. Temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius. The rainy season can make travelling on less than perfect roads even more difficult.
Click on this Weather link to view the current conditions in Antananarivo (the capital).
Communication
The country code to dial into Antananarivo from overseas is 261, followed by the area code (Antananarivo is 20 22 and Antsirabe 20 44). Cellular phone codes begin with either 33 or 32.
Phone calls can be made at the telecom offices. Phone cards are sold in different denominations, and range from €1.50 - €30.
Internet cafes are readily available in the major centres, and they offer quite reasonable rates.
Meet Olivia Niaina and the team at ESF, your local connection in Madagascar. We operate from our central office in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo, and take great pride in sharing our country with you. We aim to let you experience the warm hospitality of the people and the unique and endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar. However, we also encourage people to examine the social and environmental issues facing our country, to ensure Madagascar is here for their children and grandchildren to enjoy as well.
