Myths, Living Styles, and Traditional Beliefs
Despite being one of the biggest islands in the world, Madagascar remains one of the least-explored places on Earth. Madagascar is also one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with a wide range of habitats and plenty of rare species found nowhere else on Earth, including 200 types of lemurs (the largest number in the world). Despite its high levels of biodiversity, Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in Africa, with over 70% of its population surviving off less than $2 USD per day due to an unstable economy and political unrest in certain regions.
When Madagascar split from the supercontinent Gondwana in the Mesozoic era (about 180 million years ago), it was connected to what is now Africa. Madagascar's connection to Africa has led to many myths about how Madagascar appeared to be water locked according to myths. One such myth claims that Madagascar was once a peninsula attached to the African continent which it turned into an island after the water receded from a global flood.
Population of Madagascar
Madagascar is a unique country in Africa that has been isolated for centuries. It's located on the east coast of southern Africa and is the fourth largest island in the world. The population is primarily clustered around the coastline with most living between Antananarivo, or Tana, as it's known to locals, and Tamataye. In fact, over 90% of Madagascar's population lives within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of its coastline. It's estimated that there are just over 21 million inhabitants in this small island nation, a number that makes it one of the world's least densely populated countries!
Economy and Development
Madagascar has a small and informal economy with a low per capita GDP of $1,800. Despite this being one of the poorest countries in the world, it is not devoid of the potential for development. The country's agricultural sector is strong and diverse and export crops include vanilla, cloves, and coffee. Madagascar's huge reserves of nickel ore make it an attractive destination for investment by large international mining companies.
National Symbols of Madagascar
The Malagasy ethnic group is the largest population on the island. The Malagasy people have diverse ancestral backgrounds from African, Arab, Indian, European, and Indonesian.
Madagascar has a variety of national symbols. These include animals (pangolin, lemur), plants (hibiscus), and natural features (mountains). The original flag had two bands in the colors red and green to represent the blood spilled during the independence struggle. In 2007, it was changed to blue with a white stripe in order to symbolize peace after an end to long years of conflict.
There are over different ethnic groups in Madagascar with their own religion or beliefs.
Religion in Madagascar
Christianity is the religion that has the most followers in Madagascar. The second largest religion practiced in this country is Islam. Other religions practiced by people in this region are Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Jainism, and Bahai Faith. Some other beliefs like animism are also common as well.