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| Madagascar has world class tourism assets, and a high potential for tourism. |
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Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated 400 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa. The total area is 587,000 sq. km. (226,600 sq. mi.) making it the fourth largest island in the world.
The capital, and largest city is Antananarivo with a population of around 1.5 million.
Madagascar is ringed by golden beaches and palm trees , the interior has a great variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes, and from tropical rainforests on the eastern side, to tropical dry forest, scrublands and desserts on the western and southern side of the island.
Madagascar was separated from mainland Africa some 165 million years ago, and many species that are unique to the island have since evolved, including some 3,000 species of butterfly.
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Recent research shows that the island was uninhabited until about 1,500 to 2,000 years ago, when Polynesian seafarers arrived from the Malayo-Indonesian archipelago. Ancient ruins also indicate an extensive Arab presence at that time. Bantu tribes from mainland Africa later settled on the west coast. The entire island speaks the Malagasy language which is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, a language that has much in common with the language spoken in southern Borneo.
Madagascar has world class tourism assets, and a high potential for tourism because of its biodiversity, unique wildlife, and long coastline (approx. 5,000 kilometers). Until now tourism is concentrated in three areas: around Madagascars capital Antananarivo, located in the center of the island, and the islands of Nosy Be in the northwest and Ile Sainte-Marie to the east, where beach tourism is the main attraction.
The main international airport in Madagascar is Antananarivo Airport (TNR) 17 kilometers (11 miles) from the city. Further airports are Mahajanga (links to East Africa and the Comoro Islands),Nosy Be (links to the Seychelles) and Toamasina (links to Mauritius and the Runion islands). There are scheduled flights from Europe, Africa and the Far East to Antananarivo Airport. All nationals need a passport and a visa to enter Madagascar. Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting flight within 24 hours do not need a visa.
There are two seasons in Madagascar , a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, dry season from May to October. The island occasionally experience cyclones.
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