Historically and currently, Madagascar has always had a strong African and Asian culture. However in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, Madagascar, along with many other islands and parts of Africa, was colonized and imperialized by European powers. Before that, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Madagascar was a popular base for sea pirates and not long after became a haven for slave traders. In the 1800’s Madagascar was part of the Merina kingdom, which became a French colony in 1896. Madagascar did not regain their independence from France until 1960, being renamed and called the Malagasy Republic until 1975. Then, Madagascar’s official name changed to the Republic of Madagascar, which it is still called today.
People who live in Madagascar are called Malagasy and mostly of Indonesian and African descent. Many (most) of them are farmers and herders of cattle. There currently is not a lot of education provided for the people of Madagascar, but it is not needed because most families live off of the natural resources of the land. Some Malagasy live near the coast, and some live more inland. There is a tension between these two groups, however they both have a part in the government.⅖ of the Malagasy population is Christian,1/10 of the population is Muslim, and the rest of the people practice African religions. The main reason for most of Madagascar’s wars was France. Madagascar was involved in many little wars losing and gaining its independence from France in the 1800’s. Also, during WWII Madagascar was controlled by the French, and The Battle of Madagascar took place because the British tried to capture it. Today, Madagascar is too poor and has too many internal governmental issues to be involved in any wars. |
|