What is the capital of Madagascar?
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo, which means "the village of a thousand". This city is located at 1,248 meters altitude in the central part of the island, in the central highlands region.
Antananarivo, political heart of Madagascar
Antananarivo (often abbreviated "Tana") has been the political, economic and cultural capital of Madagascar since the Merina royal era. Its Malagasy name literally means "the village of the thousand", referring to the thousand warriors who once guarded the city.
Geographical location
The Malagasy capital occupies a strategic position :
- Altitude : 1248 meters above sea level
- Location : central part of the island, central highlands region
- Terrain : built on several hills, overlooking the surrounding plains
- Population : approximately 3 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area
Key points
Antananarivo concentrates the government institutions, the presidential palace and the country's main universities. Its temperate climate, due to the altitude, contrasts with the tropical coastal regions of Madagascar.