Madagascar

Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is separated from mainland Africa by the Mozambique Channel. Madagascar is known for its unique biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth, such as lemurs, the fossa (a carnivorous mammal), and various species of baobab trees. The island's ecosystem has been heavily affected by deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture, leading to significant soil erosion, particularly in the Betsiboka River, which is known for turning red due to the silt it carries.

Madagascar has a complex history of settlement and colonization. The island was originally settled by Austronesian people from Southeast Asia around 500 CE, and later by Bantu-speaking people from mainland Africa. Its unique culture reflects this blend of influences. In the 19th century, the Merina Kingdom, a pre-colonial kingdom based in the central highlands, became the dominant power on the island. The Merina rulers, including notable figures like Radama I and Ranavalona I, played significant roles in shaping the island's history.

Madagascar was colonized by France in the late 19th century following the Franco-Hova Wars, with the Merina Kingdom eventually being overthrown. The French influence is still seen today in the country’s use of French as an official language alongside Malagasy. During World War II, Madagascar was involved in military operations such as Operation Ironclad, when the British seized the island from Vichy France to prevent Japanese forces from gaining control of it.

### Key Characteristics and Historical Events:

- **Geography**: Madagascar’s unique landscapes include the Tsaratanana Massif in the north, home to the island’s highest point, Maromokotro, and the central highlands, which are dominated by rice paddies. The island is home to unique ecosystems like the Avenue of the Baobabs and the limestone needle formations known as Tsingy.

- **Biodiversity**: Madagascar is renowned for its endemic species, including various species of lemurs, the carnivorous fossa, and the baobab trees. It is also a major producer of vanilla and cloves.

- **Colonial History**: Madagascar was colonized by France in 1896, becoming a French colony until its independence in 1960. The Merina Kingdom was the dominant political entity on the island before French colonization.

- **Merina Kingdom**: The Merina people, who are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, dominated much of the island in the 19th century. The kingdom was ruled by notable monarchs such as Ranavalona I, who resisted European influence and persecuted Christians.

- **Modern History**: Madagascar gained independence in 1960, and since then, it has seen periods of political instability, including socialist rule under Didier Ratsiraka and various coups.

### Related Quizbowl Facts That Appeared in More Than One Toss-up on qbreader.org:

1. **Merina Kingdom**: The Merina Kingdom, which dominated Madagascar prior to French colonization, is a frequently mentioned clue. The Merina people are the largest ethnic group on the island, and their kingdom played a significant role in Madagascar’s pre-colonial history.

2. **Ranavalona I**: Queen Ranavalona I, known for her fierce resistance to European influence and her persecution of Christians, is a recurring figure in quizbowl questions about Madagascar.

3. **Antananarivo**: The capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is a common clue. It was the capital of the Merina Kingdom and remains the largest city on the island today.

4. **Operation Ironclad**: This World War II operation, in which the British seized control of Madagascar from Vichy France, is often mentioned in questions about the island.

5. **Biodiversity**: The island’s unique wildlife, including lemurs and baobab trees, frequently appears as clues in quizbowl questions about Madagascar.

### Related Quizbowl Facts Fill-in-the-Blank:

1. The largest ethnic group in Madagascar is the ___1___ people, who established the Merina Kingdom.

2. The Merina Kingdom’s capital was ___2___, which is now the capital of Madagascar.

3. Queen ___3___ I was known for her resistance to European influence and her persecution of Christians.

4. Madagascar was seized by the British from Vichy France during World War II in Operation ___4___.

5. Madagascar is famous for its endemic species, such as the ___5___, a primate known for its distinctive tail.

6. Madagascar is separated from mainland Africa by the ___6___ Channel.

7. The limestone needle formations in Madagascar are called the ___7___.

8. The main language of Madagascar is ___8___, which is the westernmost Austronesian language.

### Answers:

1. Merina  

2. Antananarivo  

3. Ranavalona  

4. Ironclad  

5. Lemur  

6. Mozambique  

7. Tsingy  

8. Malagasy

### Frequency: 9

- **Merina Kingdom**: The Merina Kingdom dominated Madagascar prior to French colonization. Key figures mentioned include Queen Ranavalona I, King Radama I, and other rulers who played a significant role in shaping the island’s history. This kingdom is frequently referenced as the pre-colonial power on the island.

### Frequency: 8

- **Antananarivo**: The capital city of Madagascar, which is often mentioned in questions as the largest city or the seat of power in both the Merina Kingdom and modern Madagascar. It is a key geographic marker for the country.

### Frequency: 7

- **Mozambique Channel**: The body of water separating Madagascar from mainland Africa. This geographic feature is commonly used to situate Madagascar’s location in relation to the African continent.

### Frequency: 6

- **Lemurs**: Madagascar is famous for its endemic species of lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur, which are often highlighted as unique to the island’s biodiversity.

### Frequency: 5

- **Ranavalona I**: A queen of Madagascar known for her persecution of Christians and the use of the tangena ordeal to determine guilt. She is frequently mentioned in the context of the Merina Kingdom and pre-colonial history.

### Frequency: 4

- **Tangena Ordeal**: A traditional trial by ordeal used during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I, involving the consumption of poison to determine guilt or innocence. It is commonly mentioned in historical contexts regarding Madagascar’s justice system.

### Frequency: 4

- **Vanilla**: Madagascar is one of the world’s largest producers of vanilla, and this is often used as an example of its agricultural significance, particularly in questions that focus on its economy.

### Frequency: 3

- **Canal des Pangalanes**: A series of man-made and natural lakes and rivers along the east coast of Madagascar. This waterway is a recurring geographic feature in questions about the island.

### Frequency: 3

- **Operation Ironclad**: A British operation during World War II to secure Madagascar from Vichy France, which is frequently mentioned in the context of colonial and wartime history.

### Frequency: 3

- **Maromokotro**: The highest point in Madagascar, located in the Tsaratanana Massif. It is frequently mentioned in geographic questions about the island's physical features.

These references provide a clear picture of the dominant themes surrounding Madagascar in quizbowl questions, with an emphasis on its unique geography, biodiversity, pre-colonial history, and colonial struggles.