Madagascar is the world's 46th-largest country and it is located at 226,642 mi˛ (587,040 km˛). It is comparable in size to Kenya and it has 11 distinct physiographic provinces of the South African Platform. The Geography of Madagascar is another interesting set of facts that you should not miss.
In the east of Madagascar you will find a steep escarpment that leads from the central highlands to a ribbon of rain forest. There is also a narrow coastal region if you move further east. There is also the Canal des Pangalanes which is a chain of natural and man-made lakes that is connected by canals. This runs parallel to the east coast for about 300 miles. The central highlands gradually descend towards the west. Here you will find the remnants of deciduous forests and also the savannah-like plains. The south and southwest here are quite dry and there is a spiny desert as well that is replete with baobabs.
The geography of Madagascar is marked by the presence of numerous protected harbors on the west coast. This is caused by silting up and this in turn is caused by sediment from the high levels of erosion. Due to this acute silting Madagascar suffered a great deal and this was a major problem in Madagascar.
The central highlands lie along the crest of this ridge and there is a plateau region as well that range in altitude from 2,450 to 4,400 ft (750 to 1350m) above sea level. The central highlands are have terraced, rice-growing valleys lying between the barren hills. Here you will also find the red laterite soil. This soil type covers much of the island and this has been exposed greatly by erosion. This is the main reason as to why the country is often referred to as the "Red Island".
Winter is the best season to visit Madagascar marked by blue skies, cooler temperatures and essentially no rain. It is extremely hot during the summer months from November to March. Another season that should be avoided is the monsoon season. During this time the sky is overcast and the roads are very muddy.
Authentic online information on geography of Madagascar is offered only at travel.mapsofworld
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