Madagascar is a huge island nation. It lies off the south coast of Africa, and is home to thousands of animal species. Near the capital, Antananarivo, a hillside complex of royal palaces and burial grounds exists. There is the popular “Avenue of the Baobabs” which is actually a dirt road lined by massive century-old tress. These are the ten amazing facts about Madagascar which you will love to know.
Population: 22.92 Million (2013)
Capital: Antananarivo
Currency: Malagasy ariary
President: Hery Rajaonarimampianina
Prime Minister: Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana
Continent: Africa
System of Government: Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic
Official Languages: Malagasy, French
Amazing Facts About Madagascar
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1. FOREMOST BRIDE PRICE?
Once both families of the guy and the girl give their blessing to a wedding proposal, the bride’s family firsts and foremost must get the vodiondry. This, by the way, is the lamb’s rump.
2. ONE COUNTRY; MANY ALIASES
The people refer to themselves and to their language as Malagasy; and to their nation as Madagasikara. The French refer to the people and their language as Malagache; and to their nation as Madagascar.
3. SAME TERMINOLOGY
There are a quite a handful ethnic groups and dialects Madagascar. But Kingship terminology in the entire nation is consistently similar.
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4. FOOD PRUDENCE
Madagascans are very careful and never waste foods. Lunch and dinner leftovers are not thrown away. They are warmed for breakfast the following morning.
5. “Faddy” NOT FADDISH
They have a number of food taboos, know as Faddy. Some are daily. Others are linked to circumstances like pregnancy. For the ANTANDROY ethnic group, sea turtle and cows without horns are faddy.
6. CEREMONIES GALORE
Many everyday things are ceremonial and celebrated. These include circumcision, tomb building, first hair cutting, reburials, coming out of the house of a newborn, etc. Usually, the celebration would involve sacrificing a zebu or the hump-back cow.
7. NO CITIZEN, NO OWN LAND
To own land, you must be a Malagasy. A foreigner can only lease land, either short or long term. A lease could confer indefinite right to occupy.
8. RARE ARRANGED MARRIAGES
Marriages are rarely arranged and it is common for cousins to marry. But when marriages are to be arranged, families scrutinize at least three generations of families before giving consent.
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9. MARRIAGE TO HONOR THE DEAD
A Grandma may arrange a marriage by decree between her even yet unborn grand kids. But once she dies, such arranged marriage must be contracted to avoid displeasing her and incurring her wrath.
10. POLYGAMY IS RIFE
50% of adult men have two or more wives and households. And by forty, most have been divorced a good number of times.
Hope you enjoy the ten amazing facts about Madagascar.