Geography:
Where is Madagascar located?
Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is situated east of Mozambique.
What is the nickname for Madagascar?
The Red Island, due to the reddish-brown color of its laterite soil.
Is Madagascar an island or a continent?
An island, the world's fourth largest after Australia, Greenland, and Papua New Guinea.
Which channel separates Madagascar from mainland Africa?
The Mozambique Channel.
What is the highest mountain in Madagascar?
Maromokotro, peaking at 2,876 meters (9,436 feet).
What is the capital of Madagascar?
Antananarivo, also known as Tana.
Flora and Fauna:
What is the world's largest primate found only in Madagascar?
The Indri, a black-and-white lemur known for its loud vocalizations.
What is the world's smallest chameleon found only in Madagascar?
The Brookesia micra, measuring just 21-29 millimeters long.
What unique type of tree known for its striking baobab fruit is endemic to Madagascar?
The baobab, also known as the monkey bread tree.
What percentage of the world's lemur species are found in Madagascar?
Over 90%, with approximately 100 different species.
What invasive plant species poses a major threat to Madagascar's biodiversity?
The prickly pear cactus, introduced in the 19th century and now spreading rapidly.
Culture and History:
What language is primarily spoken in Madagascar?
Malagasy, an Austronesian language related to languages spoken in Southeast Asia.
What is the traditional Malagasy greeting?
"Mbola tsara?" meaning "Are you still good?" or "Are things still all right?"
What unique form of burial ritual involves exhuming and dancing with the bodies of deceased relatives?
The Famadihana, practiced every few years to honor the dead and reconnect with ancestors.
What traditional fabric, often decorated with geometric patterns, is used for Malagasy clothing?
Lamba, made from raffia or cotton and worn by both men and women.
What sport is considered the national sport of Madagascar?
Moraingy, a traditional martial art practiced with sticks and shields.
Miscellaneous:
What valuable mineral is Madagascar known for its abundance of?
Sapphire, with Madagascar supplying nearly half the world's sapphires.
What animated film featured Madagascar as its setting?
Madagascar (2005) and its sequels: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012), and Madagascar: Penguins of Madagascar (2014).
What unique type of taxi, often decorated with colorful paintings, is a popular mode of transportation in Madagascar?
The taxi-brousse, shared vans or minibuses that travel long distances across the island.
What traditional Malagasy instrument is made from bamboo and produces a buzzing sound?
The valiha, a tube zither considered the "soul of Malagasy music".
What unique dance style, characterized by rapid hip movements, is popular in Madagascar?
The tsapiky, performed traditionally by women and known for its energetic and sensual movements.
Bonus Trivia:
What mythical creature features prominently in Malagasy folklore?
The Fanahy, also known as the Indri-tsaraka.
What type of food is considered a staple in the Malagasy diet?
Mofo, a versatile dish that can be eaten plain, boiled, fried, or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
What natural disaster historically poses the greatest threat to Madagascar?
Cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons.
What national park in Madagascar is famous for its spiny forests and unique biodiversity?
Isalo National Park.
What Malagasy tradition involves storytelling through intricate embroidery on fabric?
Sikidy, which combines divination with embroidery and is considered a form of cultural expression and communication.