Madagascar
is a land of rare wildlife, ancient customs and dramatic landscapes.
Discover the surprising facts, cultural insights and hidden stories
that reveal the deeper character of this extraordinary Indian Ocean
island.
• Over 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife exists nowhere else on the planet — making it one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
• The island is the world’s fourth largest, larger than France, Spain and Portugal combined.
• Madagascar has no native monkeys — only lemurs, which evolved exclusively here.
• Famadihana, the “turning of the bones,” is a traditional celebration honouring ancestors.
• Baobab trees can live for over 1,000 years, with massive trunks that store water.
• Madagascar is home to the world’s oldest rice terraces outside Asia.
• The island’s unique medicinal plants contribute to global pharmaceutical research.
• Malagasy marine biologists pioneered sustainable reef management in the Western Indian Ocean.
• Vanilla cultivation techniques refined in Madagascar now dominate global production.
• Respect for fady (local taboos) is important and varies by village or region.
• Greetings are essential — a friendly “manao ahoana” sets a respectful tone.
• Modest dress is appreciated in rural and traditional communities.
• Photography of certain sacred sites may be restricted.
• Bargaining is common in markets, but done politely.
• King Andrianampoinimerina shaped Madagascar’s unification in the 18th century.
• Queen Ranavalona I remains one of the island’s most discussed historical rulers.
• Philibert Tsiranana became Madagascar’s first president after independence.
• Henri “Rabah” Ratsimbazafy is a leading global expert on lemurs.
• Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Madagascar’s most photographed natural landmarks.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha features razor-sharp limestone formations unique to the island.
• The island has lush rainforests on its east and arid desert landscapes in the south.
• Nosy Be is Madagascar’s top island destination for beaches and diving.
• Madagascar was once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
• Malagasy culture blends Austronesian, African and Arab influences.
• Rice is the staple food, often eaten with meat, fish or local vegetables.
• Music styles like salegy and hiragasy are central to celebrations.
• Community and ancestral respect guide many daily customs and traditions.
• Traditional Malagasy houses vary by region and reflect ethnic heritage.
• Zebu cattle are culturally significant and used in ceremonies and festivals.
• Local markets are vibrant hubs for spices, crafts and fresh produce.
• Storytelling plays a major role in preserving myths, history and family identity.
• Madagascar’s first settlers came from Indonesia and East Africa over 1,500 years ago.
• The Merina Kingdom dominated the central highlands before colonisation.
• The island was under French rule from 1897 to 1960.
• Archaeological evidence reveals ancient trade links with India, China and Arabia.
• Avenue of the Baobabs glows spectacularly at sunset.
• Isalo National Park offers dramatic canyons, natural pools and sandstone formations.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO site known for its labyrinth of spiky rock towers.
• Masoala National Park protects rare species like the red-ruffed lemur.
• 90% of wildlife is unique to the island.
• Lemurs exist nowhere else naturally.
• Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island.
• Baobabs can live 1,000+ years.
• Vanilla production leads the world.
• Tsingy de Bemaraha is razor-sharp limestone.
• Nosy Be is the top beach island.
• Fady taboos vary by region.
• Queen Ranavalona is a major historical figure.
• Avenue of the Baobabs is world-famous.
• Rainforests dominate the east.
• Desert landscapes cover the south.