Regions of Madagascar

Regions of Madagascar

Madagascar is a big island localized on southeast from Africa, standing out for your geography and big variety of animals. It is divided into 23 regions (faritra). These were officially established on 2004 like a part of a reform of government decentralization. The creation of regions was motivated to get near public administration with locals populations, decentralize the state and make easier the development local. Madagascar is a true mosaic of landscapes and realities, where every corner of the island reveals a distinct facet. The geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic characteristics vary enormously from one area to another, reflecting the country's internal richness. To illustrate this diversity, we can look at a few examples: In the northeast, provinces like Sava and Analanjirofo are synonymous with lush tropical forests and the unmistakable aroma of vanilla production. In the west, the regions of Menabe and Melaky transform into arid landscapes, dotted with savannas and the imposing baobabs, which stand like sentinels of nature. Further to the south, Androy and Anosy face the challenge of desertification and food insecurity. However, these areas hold robust ancestral cultures and deeply rooted local identities. In contrast, Analamanga, where the capital Antananarivo lies, pulsates as the nation's political and economic heart. Finally, Atsinanana and Boeny, with their vital ports in Toamasina and Mahajanga, serve as the country's gateways for maritime trade. This range of environments—from humid forests to deserts, from mountains to coastal plains—lends a unique quality to each region. Such diversity not only demands that public policies be tailored to local realities but is also crucial for celebrating and recognizing the multiple identities that make up the Malagasy people.

Number on map	Region's name	Area (km2)	Population (2018 Census)	Population density per km2	Capital	Former province
1	Diana	19,266	889,736	36.3	Antsiranana	Antsiranana
2	Sava	25,518	1,123,013	38.4	Sambava	Antsiranana
3	Itasy	6,993	897,962	104.8	Miarinarivo	Antananarivo
4	Analamanga	16,911	3,618,128	198.0	Antananarivo	Antananarivo
5	Vakinankaratra	16,599	2,074,358	108.6	Antsirabe	Antananarivo
6	Bongolava	16,688	674,474	27.4	Tsiroanomandidy	Antananarivo
7	Sofia	50,100	1,500,227	24.9	Antsohihy	Mahajanga
8	Boeny	31,046	931,171	25.8	Mahajanga	Mahajanga
9	Betsiboka	30,025	394,561	9.8	Maevatanana	Mahajanga
10	Melaky	38,852	309,805	7.5	Maintirano	Mahajanga
11	Alaotra-Mangoro	31,948	1,255,514	32.1	Ambatondrazaka	Toamasina
12	Atsinanana	21,934	1,484,403	57.9	Toamasina	Toamasina
13	Analanjirofo	21,930	1,152,345	47.2	Fenoarivo Atsinanana	Toamasina
14	Amoron'i Mania	16,141	833,919	44.3	Ambositra	Fianarantsoa
15	Matsiatra Ambony	21,080	1,447,296	56.9	Fianarantsoa	Fianarantsoa
16	Vatovavy	12,775	705,675	72.2	Mananjary	Fianarantsoa
17	Atsimo-Atsinanana	18,863	1,026,674	47.6	Farafangana	Fianarantsoa
18	Ihorombe	26,391	418,520	11.8	Ihosy	Fianarantsoa
19	Menabe	46,121	700,577	12.8	Morondava	Toliara
20	Atsimo-Andrefana	66,236	1,799,088	19.9	Toliara	Toliara
21	Androy	19,317	903,376	38.0	Ambovombe-Androy	Toliara
22	Anosy	25,731	809,313	26.1	Tôlanaro	Toliara
23	Fitovinany	19,605	1,435,882	72.2	Manakara	Fianarantsoa

Elections

The last elections for the regional councils were held on 16 March 2008.

See also

• Subdivisions of Madagascar
• Districts of Madagascar
• List of regions of Madagascar by Human Development Index
• List of cities in Madagascar

Sources

• Population, area: Madagascar: Profil des marchés pour les évaluations d’urgence de la sécurité alimentaire [1]
• (in French:) Découpage Territorial - L'Express.mg