Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean that was once considered part of India in ancient times. To get familiar with the customs and culture of the people of Madagascar, stay with Saed News.
Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) off the eastern coast of Africa, across the Mozambique Channel. With an area of 592,800 square kilometers (228,900 square miles), Madagascar is the second-largest island country in the world after Indonesia. The first human settlements in Madagascar likely date back to the 4th century BC. Madagascar was a French colony from 1896, and it gained independence from France on June 26, 1960, as the "Malagasy Republic." In 1975, the country's name was changed to the "Democratic Republic of Madagascar." The core population of Madagascar, known as the Malagasy, is a mix of Bantu-speaking African tribes, Arabs, and Malays who arrived on the island through maritime trade. The Malays are a collective name for ethnic groups from the Southeast Asian region (Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia) who spread throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.
From a racial perspective, the people of Madagascar are a mix of South African and Southeast Asian elements. About half of the population follows local and indigenous traditions, 40% are Christian, and 7% are Muslim. There are four branches of Christianity in Madagascar: Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican. Most Muslims reside in the northwestern part of the country, and the majority are Sunni. In fact, most Muslims in Madagascar are of Indian and Pakistani descent, who migrated to the country. The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French.
Human settlement on the island of Madagascar dates back to around the 4th century BC. France colonized the island in 1896, although the Malagasy people succeeded in gaining independence in 1960 and changed the country's name to the Democratic Republic of Madagascar in 1975. Racially, the people of Madagascar are a mixture of South African and Southeast Asian elements, with Arabs later arriving in the north for trade. A small portion of the population also descends from European, Indian, Creole, Comorian, and Chinese immigrants. People in Madagascar generally do not like to talk about their past, so questions regarding it should be avoided. Urbanization is well-established in Madagascar, and the people value their own and others' peace. The culture places great emphasis on having a good life, even if economically they are not in the best situation. Gender equality exists, with women present in parliament and holding professional jobs. However, racism can still be observed, and interracial marriages between Black and White people are often difficult.
The people of Madagascar are very honest and simple. Hospitality is a big part of their culture, and like Iranians, they have a deep love for nature. In terms of economic culture, Madagascar's economy is carefully measured, and its banking system is similar to that of Iran. Malagasy people love to travel and spend their holidays with their families, just like Iranians who place great importance on family.
The people of Madagascar have a strong belief in stones, using them to ward off evil and avoid bad luck. In this country, the use of stones and wood can be seen as a way to prevent misfortune. Superstition is more common among the poorer segments of the population. Young people, in general, are less inclined to believe in superstitions compared to adults.
Boeuf Bourguignon: A traditional African dish in Madagascar made from chopped beef, flavored with dried fruits and nutmeg. It is typically served with a special sauce that includes curry powder.
Kolo-Kolo: A popular street food in Madagascar, this dish is a tasty snack made from grilled green bananas, spiced with red pepper, salt, and ginger. It's served with meat and beans.
Soya: A BBQ snack made from beef and chicken pieces, seasoned with fried onions and ginger powder.
Poule Yassa: Made with juicy, tender chicken, this dish includes peanut oil and lemon juice, and it is grilled on charcoal. Green bananas are also used in its preparation.
Gatsby: A large sandwich made from a baguette, filled with fried potatoes, and enough to serve four people.
Madagascar is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a major tourist attraction in Africa, drawing many visitors each year. The people of Madagascar are a blend of South African and Southeast Asian cultures, with Muslims making up a large part of the population. Interestingly, Islam was introduced to the island by Arab traders who engaged in commerce in northern Madagascar.
