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Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar with its population of 1.275 million (2018) is commonly known as Tana and was founded in 1625 by King
Andrianjaka who reigned over the Kingdom of Imerina in the central highlands
region of Madagascar from around 1612 to 1630. Its location on top of a steep
ridge that consists of more than 12 hilltops made it easy to defend with
royalty and noblemen living on the highest hills whilst foot soldiers occupied
and guarded the lower hills. Antananarivo grew in importance in 1793 when King
Andrianampoinimerina (1787~1810) of Ambohimanga captured the
city and transferred his capital there using it as a base to
bring the rest of Madagascar under Merina (highlander) rule.
The city was
captured by the French in 1895 as part of their colonisation of
Madagascar following the Berlin Conference and the Merina
dynasty was abolished two years later with Queen Ranavalona III
being deported to Reunion then Algeria. The French
remodelled the city, constructing new roads and buildings with a
French colonial feel and by 1950 its population had risen to 175,000
and remained as capital of the island after Independence from
France in 1960. Today, it is the administrative, communications,
and economic centre of the country.
Those employed in Antananarivo
primarily work in the production of leather goods, textiles as
well as food products, drinks and cigarettes. It is connected by
railway to the port of Toamasina on the east coast allowing for
easy imports and exports into the capital. Today, following
years of economic decline and political instability coupled with
an earlier suspension of aid from organisations such as the EU,
Antananarivo has a feel of urban poverty with street children
combing the streets begging or stealing from tourists amid
overcrowded and uncared for buildings, high unemployment,
rampant pollution and a general sense of decay and despair. Check out the video (below) to get a better
look and feel of Antananarivo.
Antananarivo Profile: Volunteer in Madagascar
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Antananarivo Profile: Antananarivo City Map
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Antananarivo Profile: Ivato International Airport
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Antananarivo Profile: Child Sponsor Madagascar
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Antananarivo Profile: Madagascar Country Profile
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