Madagascar
20 00 S, 47 00 E
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m
0 km
periodic cyclones, drought, and locust infestation
graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower
arable land: 5.03%
permanent crops: 1.02%
other: 93.95% (2005)
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several endangered species of flora and fauna unique to the island
Hot and subtropical climate, colder in the mountains. Rainy season: November to March. Dry season: April to October. The south and west regions are hot and dry. Monsoons bring storms and cyclones to the east and north from December to March. The mountains, including Antananarivo, are warm and thundery from November to April and dry, cool and windy the rest of the year.
Required clothing
Lightweights are worn during the summer on high central plateau and throughout the year in the north and south. Warmer clothes are advised for during the evenings and winter in mountainous areas. Rainwear is advisable.
time difference: UTC+3
