Madagascar

Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It is the world's fourth largest island, covering a total area of 587,041 square kilometres.

The country is divided into six provinces, each named after its capital: Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Taomasina, Mahajanga, Tamatave, Toliara and Fianarantsoa - the province in which Tsara Camp is located.

The continent separated from Africa 165 million years ago, and since then its flora and fauna have evolved according to its own fantasy, like nowhere else in the world: Lemurs are known worldwide, but the red island (on account of its vividly coloured soil) is home to several endemic species of chameleons, fossas, frogs, birds, snakes, jumping rats, baobabs, carnivorous plants, orchids and many more strange "living beings"! With the lemurs, 80% of its flora, 40% of its birds, 98% of its reptiles being endemic, Madagascar is a naturalist's promised land! The same is true for the Malagasy people, about 17 million: a unique blend of African and Asian, whose culture resembles no other worldwide. The population is divided in 18 ethnical groups. The relative isolation of the island due to geography and recent History, kept the traditional way of living, rites and the ancestral beliefs, very lively and genuine. For the traveller avid to find something different, a dream!

Throughout history, as of early 17th century, Madagascar was colonized by the French. Madagascar gained independence in 1960 and became a communist governed country in 1975. As of 2002, a new president and governement was elected. The former president, currently in exile in France, was sentenced to 10 years of penal labour on corruption charges.

The current administration has implemented a fully democratic system, including an anti-corruption ministry, which has improved Madagascar's international relations, and opened the country to foreign investments and tourism.

The official language of this country is Malagasy, however French is spoken by everyone. English is widely understood, especially in the capital and by tourist establishments. At Tsara Camp, Malagasy, French, English are spoken fluently.