Madagascar
Madagascar
According to Malagasy legend, the first baobab sprouted beside a small lake. As it grew, it noted the colorful flowers, large leaves, and slender trunks of the trees around it. One day the wind died away, leaving the water as smooth as a mirror. When the baobab saw its reflection, it was shocked to realize its own flowers were dull, its leaves were tiny, and its trunk grossly fat.
The baobab complained to the creator, who responded by yanking the ingrate from the ground and replanting it upside down so that it could not see its reflection or complain. Since then, it has worked in silence, paying off its ancient transgression by providing fruit, medicinal leaves, and shelter for those who live nearby.
Photo © 2011 Amber Davis Collins
Peace Corps Volunteer, Honduras 2002-2004
Madagasikara
Southern Africa
Area 587,041 km2 (RANK 47)
Arable 5%
Capital Antananarivo (1.8M)
Population 22,005,222 (37/km2)
Literacy 65%
Life expectancy 64 yrs
HIV/AIDS 0.2% (24,000 adults)
In poverty 50%
Military 1% of GDP (RANK 130 of 195)
Languages French, Malagasy, English
Religions Indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%
Gov’t Republic
GDP/capita $900
Agriculture coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts, livestock products
Industry meat processing, seafood, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, auto assembly plan, paper, petroleum, tourism
PCVs 1993-present, current 130, TTD 1,020; education, environment, agriculture, health, business
Adult Books
by Peter Tyson, 2000
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: William Morrow; Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (May 30, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0380975778
Book Description
A rare view into one of the most diverse and fascinating places on earth.
Kids' Books
by Deborah Dennard (Author), Kristin Kest (Illustrator)
Format: Hardcover, 36 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1568999784
Age Range: 4+ years
Publisher: Soundprints, 2001
Films
Film: DZAOMALAZA AND THE BLUE SAPPHIRE
Directors: (2010)
Documentary: Angano…Angano, Tales from Madagascar
Directors: (1989)
Focus Word
Focus Word for 2014 - "Home"
Malagasy: Trano (tron-oh)
Copyright © Julie Olsen
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Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
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