What is the Capital of Madagascar?

The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. In this article, we will learn what is the capital of Madagascar, where it is and more.

Capital of Madagascar

Antananarivo, called Tananarive in French, is the national capital and the largest city in Madagascar. It is commonly referred to by the colonial name for the city – Tana. 

It is located on the main island of Madagascar (the fourth largest island in the world). The cool climate, cultural vibrancy, and colonial legacy make the capital of Madagascar a popular tourist center.

Tana or Antananarivo is a great city to explore. The stately colonial buildings and the colorful markets lend the city its charm. The Rova of Antananarivo Palace complex – the administrative center of the Merina Kingdom, the Andafiavaratra Palace Museum, the Botanical Garden and Zoo, the beautiful Lake Anosy (a heart-shaped lake in the city center), the Cathedral Catholique d Andohalo, the Parc de Tsarasaotra Wildlife Reserve, the Pirate Museum, and the Archeology Museum are among the top attractions of Antananarivo city. The wonderful cafes and gourmet restaurants and the street markets draw visitors.

The city of Antananarivo is believed to have been founded in the early 17th century by Merina king Andrianjaka, who established his capital of the Kingdom of Imerina. It remained the capital of the Hova (members of a Malagasy clan) kings. It is now a unique mix of ancient Malagasy, French, and British Architecture.

Where is Antananarivo?

Antananarivo is in the middle of Madagascar, almost right in the middle of the island. It’s not near the coast but rather surrounded by hills and sits on higher ground. If you look at a map, it’s about 18.8792 degrees south of the equator and 47.5079 degrees east of the prime meridian. The city stands on a hill and has an average altitude of 4,199 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world.

Interesting Facts About Antananarivo

• “Antananarivo” means “City of the Thousand.” This refers to the thousand soldiers that King Andrianjaka assigned to protect the city.
• The city’s markets, like Analakely Market, are lively and busy. You can find a wide variety of goods there, from food to handmade crafts.
• The city is a major center for education and research in Madagascar, hosting the University of Antananarivo.
• Like many expanding cities, Antananarivo faces challenges such as urban sprawl, infrastructure development, and environmental issues.
• The city is the main gateway for travelers exploring Madagascar, with Ivato International Airport providing connections to various parts of the island and beyond.

Former Capitals of Madagascar

Following were the capitals of Madagascar during different times:

• Ambohimanga

  The Merina Kingdom briefly used Ambohimanga as their capital before moving the seat of power to Antananarivo. Ambohimanga remains an important historical and cultural site and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)

  The northern port city served as the capital during the colonial period under French rule in the late 19th century.

• Fianarantsoa

  At various points in history, especially during political transitions or conflicts, Fianarantsoa has served as a temporary capital.

Related Links

• Key Facts of Madagascar
• Largest Islands in the World