Toamasina is often known as Tamatave. It is a city in Madagascar and is also the capital of the Atsinanana region and of the Toamasina Province.

Toamasina is often known as Tamatave. It is a city in Madagascar and is also the capital of the Atsinanana region and of the Toamasina Province. Toamasina is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Madagascar and if you are planning to embark on excursions from Madagascar then Toamasina is one place that you must not miss out.

Toamasina is the chief seaport of Madagascar. The region is situated nearly on the centre of the eastern coast at 18 10 S, 49 32 E. It has population of around 179,045, according to the 2001 census.The town of Toamasina owes its importance to the existence of a coral reef, which forms a spacious and fairly commodious harbor. This harbor can be entered by two openings. The town is built on a sandy peninsula which projects at right angles from the general coast-line. On this town, there are considerable numbers of houses crowded together, with good shops and merchants offices in the main thoroughfares.

The port of Toamasina or Tamatave serves as Madagascar's most important gateway to the Indian Ocean and to the world. Some of the popular attractions in the city include a wide palm tree lined avenues and selection of hotels and restaurants. The beaches situated in this area are striking. Bazary Be is one of its colorful street markets where the tourists can buy some souvenirs for their loved ones. Here the tourists can buy everything from exotic spices to handicrafts. The popular central market in the heart of the city is one of the most popular sites in the city. The city is home to the University of Toamasina, which is part of Madagascar's public university system.

The town of Toamasina under the French domination was the seat of several foreign consuls, as well as of numerous French officials. It was also the chief port for the capital and the interior. The imports in this place consisted principally of piece-goods, farinaceous foods, iron and steel goods. It was also the exporter of gold dust, raffia, hides, caoutchouc and live animals.

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