What is special about Antananarivo?

Antananarivo (French: Tananarive, pronounced [tananaʁiv]), also known by its colonial shorthand form Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. It has more universities, nightclubs, art venues, and medical services than any city on the island.

When was Madagascar first inhabited?

These findings add to the evidence showing that prehistoric human colonization of Madagascar began between 1350 and 1100 years BP, and suggest that hunting gradually led to the extinction of the island’s megafauna. The authors add: “Recent estimates indicate human arrival in Madagascar as early as ~10,000 years ago.

Can you live in Madagascar?

All foreign nationals wishing to work and live in Madagascar are required to have an immigrant visa and a work permit. Only temporary visas obtained at one of the Malagasy Embassies abroad or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be turned into immigrant visas.

What it’s like to live in Madagascar?

More than two-thirds of the population in Madagascar lives below the poverty line, with most living on less than $1.90 a day. Madagascar is no stranger to natural disasters, and the island experiences three or four devastating cyclones each year. Cyclones cause massive structural and property damage.

Why is Antananarivo important in Madagascar?

As the Merina kingdom grew Antananarivo became an important military and agricultural center. The city’s high plateau allowed the Merina to establish a heavily militarized defense in central Madagascar. The city’s surrounding wetlands produced rice.

Why should we visit Antananarivo?

Today, the city remains the seat of power, where international organisations, businesses and money mingle, making it unlike anywhere else in Madagascar. It stands out for its relative (if isolated) areas of wealth and cosmopolitan facilities, and is very much the heart of the action on the island.

Who first arrived in Madagascar?

Madagascar is mentioned in the writings of Marco Polo, but the first European known to have visited the island was Diogo Dias, a Portuguese navigator, in 1500.

How did the first people get to Madagascar?

Past genetic studies have suggested that settlers from the east arrived in Madagascar about 1,200 years ago — perhaps against their will. It may well be, the scientists speculated, that the first people to reach Madagascar were passengers on a boat that had blown way off course.

How is life in Antananarivo?

Generally speaking, it can be said that the daily life of the citizens of Antananarivo is quite tight, to the point of becoming routine. As mentioned above, Tanananarivians work an average of 8 hours a day, starting either at 7 or 8 a.m. and finishing around 5 or 6 p.m. (35\%).

When was Antananarivo found?

about 1625
Antananarivo was founded about 1625 by king Andrianjaka and takes its name (the City of the Thousand) from the number of soldiers Andrianjaka assigned to guarding it.

When did Antananarivo become a capital?

Madagascar received its independence from France in 1960, and Tananarive became the capital of the new nation. Twelve years later in 1972 the government renamed the city “Antananarivo.” Today Antananarivo is the economic hub of Madagascar.