Top 18 Madagascar Facts That Will Amaze You

Tucked away, far from the mad wide world, Madagascar is a hidden treasure, its beauty is both intimidating and fascinating! As the place remains untouched by tourism to a large extent, the raw beauty of the place is intact, alluring tourists since ages!

First things first! Though Madagascar looks like a dream straight out of a film set, it is a real place located in the Indian Ocean, around 250 miles from the African coast.

During Earth's initial days (165 million years ago), Madagascar was part of the supercontinent (Africa, Antarctica, Australia, South America). After its separation from this lot of continents, Madagascar later separated from the Indian continent as well, some 88 million years ago!

The island wasn't discovered until 500 AD - that's about 300,000 years after the Homo Sapiens first appeared on the African continent!

It is known to be the fourth largest island in the world, with 1600 km on the long axis and 570 km on its wide points! Its coastline stretches some 5000 km of an area that covers beaches and coral reefs.

With a population of about 26.2 million Malagasies residing on the island, it is more populous than countries like Sri Lanka, Greece, Romania, and Australia!

Though the island is a part of the African continent, it was the Asians from the Borneo island who first resided on the island! It was only around 800 AD that the Africans settled on the island alongside Europeans and Asians.

Queen Ranavalona III ruled the island from 1883 to 1897, who was later defeated by the French colonial forces!

Madagascar has a very diverse land area - ranging from humid rainforests, volcanic mountain chains, karst forests, and dry sandstone cliffs!

There are about 70 species and sub-species of lemurs that are found in Madagascar, while about 16 species have disappeared since human's arrival! Lemurs are considered sacred on the island, with a few myths suggesting common ancestry between humans and lemurs.

Apart from the lemurs, the Malagasy giant rat, the giraffe-necked weevil are commonly found on the island!

About 59 species of chameleon, that aren't found anywhere in the world, are found on the island. That's about 50% of the total world chameleon population! The world's largest chameleon, Parson's chameleon and the world's smallest chameleon, the dwarf chameleon of Brookesia, are found here.

There are about 10,000 native plant species, out of which 90% are endemic, and are found only in the region. Most of the plant species are endangered.

The baobab tree that is the bottle-shaped tree with its roots in the air is sacred to the people of Madagascar. These trees are native to the island. The other tree species commonly found in the region are the octopus trees that grow in the spiny forests!

The long-tailed ground roller which is unique to the region is one of the world's most elusive species!

The Lamba is the traditional clothing of the island, which is worn by both men and women! It is nothing but a rectangular piece of cloth which is just wrapped around the body. It is usually worn on special occasions, with a variety of designs.

Traveling in Madagascar takes time! There aren't a lot of roads paved on the island. Also, there aren't a lot of railway options available, either!

Though there's a lot of population in the country, it is considered one of the poorest countries in the world!

The bare-knuckle combat sport, Moraingy, is popular on the island!