New Delhi: The world is full of marvellous and mysterious places, and Madagascar is one of them. From diverse wildlife to many ways of enjoying the outdoors, Madagascar is not just marvellous, but it is also one of the oldest islands in the world. According to Guinness World Records, Madagascar became an island around 80-100 million years ago. It is located in the Indian Ocean and became an island after splitting from the Indian subcontinent. It also ranks as the fourth largest island in the world. In this article, let us explore unknown facts about the island and discover its flora and fauna.
Madagascar: Facts to know
Here are some of the most interesting facts that many are not aware of about the country:
Discovery
Madagascar, a land with a history that defies convention, was not inhabited by indigenous people until around 500 AD, which sets it apart from other countries with a history of thousands of years of human habitation. This historical anomaly raises intriguing questions about why and how it remained undiscovered despite its proximity to Africa. The first homo sapiens appeared on the African continent about 300,000 years ago. Still, due to its distance from the mainland, Madagascar’s discovery was delayed until much later, adding a fascinating chapter to the history of human exploration.
The fourth biggest island in the world
Madagascar is a geographical giant often overlooked in discussions and travel plans. It is the fourth largest island in the world, covering an area of 587,712 square kilometres. This makes it larger than the UK and just behind Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. When considering only island countries, Madagascar is second in size only to Indonesia.
More population than Australia
When it comes to population, Madagascar is more populated than Australia. Yes, you heard that correctly. There are more than 26 million “Malagasies,” as they are known, which makes Madagascar a more populated place than many countries in our collective consciousness. These are not indigenous people; many claim their Southeast Asian heritage through Indonesia and other nearby countries. It’s a real cultural melting point, part of the appeal.
Ruled by Queen Once
Tyrannical royals are not uncommon in history, but people tend to take more notice when the brutality comes from women, as it is relatively rare. Queen Ranavalona ruled over Madagascar during the 1800s with great cruelty. She killed those who opposed her and became increasingly paranoid, even killing those who did not. She later tried to eliminate Christians from the island, earning a reputation as the world’s most murderous woman, potentially of all time. She harboured a strong disdain for the British and the French and callously exploited her people as slaves. She maintained order through fear, even resorting to poisoning those who opposed her, declaring them guilty of whatever charges were levied against them. Despite her reign, the Malagasy people showed remarkable resilience, and their culture and traditions survived. During her 33-year reign, the population of Madagascar was drastically reduced by half, but the spirit of the Malagasy people endured.
Home to Impressive World Heritage Sites
Madagascar aims to preserve its incredible landmarks, from burial sites to natural attractions. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, which is 500 years old, encompasses various sacred places and burial grounds. It holds significant cultural and ceremonial importance and is a focal point for pilgrimages worldwide. The Atsinanana’s rainforests are also protected, housing numerous rare primate and lemur species. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, covering a vast portion of the island’s west, is a unique geological wonder featuring caves, canyons, and limestone formations. Its inaccessibility has kept it relatively unexplored, but those who have ventured into its depths have been rewarded with unparalleled beauty.
Once a Pirate Haven
Like many places off the African coast, Madagascar was a popular spot for pirates. The island’s lack of European influence made it a haven for pirates, particularly on Ile Sainte-Marie, just a few kilometres off the east coast of Madagascar. During the 1700s, this island was referred to as “the island of pirates” on maps. Up to 1000 pirates sought refuge here, living off local resources and interacting with the island’s inhabitants. They left when the French took control of the island, but a famous pirate cemetery remains to this day, a testament to the island’s colourful past. Today, Ile Sainte-Marie is a peaceful part of Madagascar, starkly contrasting its pirate-filled history.
A ritual like no other
The Malagasy people have a tradition known as famadihana, also called the ‘turning of the bones.’ During this ceremony, they retrieve their ancestors’ remains, rewrap them in fresh burial attire, and rewrite their names on the cloth to keep their memory alive. Then, they lift the corpses above their heads, dance around the tomb to music, and finally return them to the family tomb. This sacred ritual is performed every five to seven years to pay homage to the deceased, strengthen family connections, and seek blessings from the departed spirits.
Flora and Fauna
Madagascar, an island nation, has distinct ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife. More than 90 per cent of Madagascar’s reptiles, 89 per cent of its plant life, and 92 per cent of its mammals exist nowhere else on Earth. Madagascar is known for its unique wildlife, including lemurs like the indris, crowned lemurs, and sifakas. The island is also home to unusual creatures like giraffe-necked weevils and chameleons. The baobab trees, which can grow up to 30 meters tall and live for over 1,000 years, are essential resources for humans and animals, earning them the nickname “tree of life”. Madagascar boasts six endemic baobab species, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity.
Madagascar is an island known for its unique wildlife and stunning, diverse scenery. But did you know rice is the core staple of Malagasy cuisine? The Malagasy word mihinam-bary, which means ‘to eat’, is translated as ‘to eat rice’. Let us explore more interesting facts about the oldest island nation in the world. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
