MADAGSCAR

Madagascar is the worlds fourth largest island and home to 25% of the worlds endemic species, many of them unique to the islands ecosystem. In a population of almost 18 million, 45% are under the age of 14. Rich in natural resources the yearly GNP per capita is only US$260-325. With more than 12 distinct cultural groups, everybody in the country speaks Malagasy, the native language. French, the second official language, is spoken by less then 10% of the population. The Republic of Madagascar has been independent since 1960 from France. There are many other web sites that provide information about Madagascar, please check the Web or your library for additional ressources.

Zahana is working with the village of Fiadanana on the high plateau, some 4-6 hours by car from the capital Antananarivo. More information about our work in and with Fiadanana can be found on this web site.