The large island has high plateaus in its center that divide the coastal regions into two distinct climatic zones
wet in the north and east, semi-desert in the south.

Area
587,041 square kilometers

Status
Democractic Madagascan Republic since December 30, 1975; independence achieved June 26, 1960

Government
The department of Reunion has five dependencies under its jurisdiction, the first four of which are located between Madagascar and Africa; they are Tromelin, the Glorioso archipelago, Juan de Nova, Bassas de India and Europa. These islands have strategic value since they are at the end of the Mozambique canal.

Capital
Antananarivo

Currency
Madagascan franc

Languages spoken
The official language is Malagasy, but French, a second official language, is spoken everywhere.

The population, of African, Malay and Arab stock, includes 18 ethnic groups. The population is unequally distributed, with the central and eastern coastal regions being the most populated, and the north, west and south almost completely empty.

Principal industries
Few significant ones, except tourism and some mining (graphite, mica, chromite, gold and topaz.)

Agriculture
food crops include rice, cassava and coffee; cloves, vanilla; shrimp fishing; its famous green peppercorns

Climate
The west coast is almost always sunny. In February the tropical rains revive the vegetation.

Health
No vaccinations are necessary, however anti-malarial treatments are highly recommended. Consult your doctor.

Entry requirements
Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Visa required; can be obtained from the Madagascan embassy, consulate or in the Antananarivo-Ivato airport (35 Euros cash, no photos required).

Airlines
Air France, Air Madagascar, Air Austral, Corsair

Anjajavy - l’Hôtel
Set along the Mozambique Channel in an extremely diverse environment where flora and fauna offer a perfect reflection of Malagasy nature, the hotel comprises an outstanding complex of 25 rosewood villas facing the sea. Anjajavy Hotel, is ranked by European standards as a Four-Star plus establishment and is ideal for the demanding eco-tourist. The 450-ha nature reserve alongside the hotel is home to over 1,800 floral species, most of which are endemic to the country along with many medicinal plants. Tsingy, the celebrated millennial coral remains can be found throughout the forest and overlooking the bay. The forest is also home to many animal species such as the famous Sifaka lemur (Verreau’s propithecus), the bird of paradise, chameleon and Cuvier’s oplure (a type of iguana)… The Madagascar fisher eagle takes to the sea and the coral reef, a magical combination of shapes and colours in a world of silence that remains untouched.
Longitude 47° East, Latitude 18° South, Madagascar
Phone + 33 (0)1 44 69 15 00; anjajavy@relaischateaux.com