BBC News Africa
explored the exotic island of Madagascar.
It is the fourth biggest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and
Borneo. It is said, due to the isolation
of the island most of the mammals and plants, and half of the birds exist
nowhere else on earth. Tropical cyclones also occur on the island which can
bring heavy rains and floods, which can leave thousands homeless, like they did
in 2000 and 2004.
According the World Bank it is estimated that 70% of
Malagasy live on less than $1 per day. Agricultural land has put pressure on
the island forests and have started to dwindle. The forests are the homes to
Madagascar's unusual wildlife
and is a main component in the tourist industry.
A few interesting and random facts about Madagascar:
-Full name: Republic of Madagascar
-Population: 21.3 million
-Life expectancy: 65 years for men, 69 years for women
-Main exports: Vanilla, coffee, seafood, cloves, petroleum
products, chromium, fabrics
The ring-tailed lemurs are one of the many exotic animals found no where other than Madagascar.
Pictures and information are from the article BBC News Africa did on Madagascar. Find full article here.
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