MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean.

Madagascar is abundant on plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Almost
all plant and animal species found in Madagascar are endemic. This distinctive ecology has led
some ecologists to refer to Madagascar as the "eighth continent”.
Madagascar's natural resources include a variety of unprocessed agricultural and
mineral resources. Agriculture, including raffia, fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the
economy. Madagascar is among the world's principal suppliers of vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang,
coffee, lychees and shrimp. The mineral resources include various types of precious and semi-
precious stones. It also provides half of the world's supply of sapphires.
Madagascar is a francophone country, and French is spoken among the educated
population. The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and is generally spoken
throughout the island. There are also multiple dialects.
Approximately half of the country's population practice traditional religion (razana –
ancestors). This leads to the famadihana which is an occasion to celebrate the beloved
ancestor's memory, reunite with family and community, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
Almost half the Malagasy are Christian, with practitioners of Protestantism. Islam and
Hinduism are also practiced on the island.
The traditional Malagasy worldview is shaped by values that emphasize fihavanana
(solidarity), vintana (destiny), tody (karma), and hasina, a sacred life force that traditional
communities believe.
A wide range of aural artistic traditions have developed in Madagascar. One of the
island's foremost artistic traditions is its oratory, as expressed in the forms
of hainteny (poetry), kabary (public discourse) and ohabolana (proverbs). The plastic arts are
also widespread throughout the island. In addition to that there is a tradition of silk weaving,
lamba production and the weaving of raffia. The production of paper embedded with flowers
and other decorative natural materials is a long-established tradition.
A number of traditional pastimes have emerged in Madagascar. Moraingy, a type of
hand-to-hand combat, is a popular spectator sport in coastal regions. It is traditionally
practiced by men, but women have recently begun to participate.
Rugby is considered the national sport of Madagascar. Football is also popular.
Madagascar has produced a world champion in pétanque, a French game similar to lawn
bowling