last edited Dec 11, 2019
Regions of Madagascar
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Location Map of Madagascar
Madagascar
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Malagasy Divisions and Names
Since 2007, Madagascar has been divided into 22 regions, resulting from a redrawing of the island's six former provinces, which were named after their capitals. Although this division is no longer current, it still helps simplify the way one can view the country.
- Antananarivo/Tananarive (Central)
- Antsiranana/Diego Suarez (North)
- Fianarantsoa (Southeast)
- Mahajanga/Majunga (Northwest)
- Toamasina/Tamatave (Northeast)
- Toliara/Tuléar (South/Southwest)
Malagasy Names
During the French presence (and even beyond), many Malagasy towns were given French names, sometimes at the expense of their original Malagasy names. Today, several have adopted or reverted to local names, sometimes quite different from their previous ones, which can be confusing for visitors.
Although both terms are generally understood by everyone, among the main changes worth knowing: Ambohitra = Joffreville. Andohany = Hell-Ville. Antananarivo = Tananarive (or Tana). Antsiranana = Diego Suarez. Mahajanga = Majunga. Toamasina = Tamatave. Tolanaro = Fort-Dauphin. Toliara = Tuléar.
Antananarivo/Tananarive
This is the former province of Antananarivo/Tananarive, located in the heart of the country at "altitude," and home to the capital.
Antsiranana/Diego Suarez
This is the former province of Antsiranana/Diego Suarez, at the northernmost tip of Madagascar. It is also where Nosy Be Island is located, one of the country's top tourist (beach) destinations.
Fianarantsoa
This is the former province of Fianarantsoa, in the southeast of the island, consisting of a coastal area and another part oriented toward the interior.
Mahajanga/Majunga
This is the former province of Mahajanga/Majunga, on the northwest coast.
Toamasina/Tamatave
This is the former province of Toamasina/Tamatave, in the northeast of the country. It is also in this region that Sainte-Marie Island is located, a major Malagasy tourist destination and a place where whales can be observed offshore during the season.
Toliara/Tuléar
This is the former province of Toliara/Tuléar in the south/southwest of the country, also the most arid region.