Country | Madagascar |
Population | 1274225 |
Area | 85 km2 (33 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (East Africa Time) |
Coordinates | -18.91368, 47.53613 |
Highest elevation | 1,276 m (4,186 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Antananarivo, commonly known as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, nestled at 1,280 meters (4,199 feet) above sea level in the island’s center. This high elevation makes it the highest national capital among island countries. Antananarivo has been Madagascar’s largest population center since at least the 18th century, boasting a diverse population of 1,274,225 according to the 2018 census, with the greater metropolitan area nearing three million residents.
The city’s administrative area, Antananarivo-Renivohitra, serves as the capital of the Analamanga region. As the political and economic heart of Madagascar, it houses the presidency, National Assembly, Senate, Supreme Court, and 21 diplomatic missions. It is also the headquarters for many national and international businesses and NGOs.
Antananarivo is a cultural hub with numerous universities, nightclubs, art venues, and medical facilities. The city is home to several national sports teams, including the national rugby team, the Makis, who have clinched championship titles.
Historically, Antananarivo was the capital of the Merina people, the city’s majority ethnic group. It was founded around 1610 when Merina King Andrianjaka expelled the Vazimba inhabitants from the village of Analamanga, establishing his capital and building a fortified royal dwelling, or rova. The name Antananarivo, meaning “City of the Thousand,” was given by King Andriamasinavalona (1675–1710) in honor of Andrianjaka’s soldiers.
The city served as the capital of the Kingdom of Imerina until 1710, after which it became the capital of the southern quadrant of the divided kingdom. In 1794, King Andrianampoinimerina of Ambohimanga unified the quadrants and restored Antananarivo as the capital of a united Kingdom of Imerina, expanding his rule to neighboring ethnic groups. His son, Radama I, further expanded the kingdom, and by European recognition, he was considered the King of Madagascar.
Antananarivo remained the capital during French colonization in 1897 and after Madagascar gained independence in 1960. Today, the Commune Urbaine d’Antananarivo (CUA) manages the city, with Ny Havana Andriamanjato serving as the President of the Special Delegation since March 2014. However, challenges such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, waste management, pollution, security, and insufficient public services persist due to rapid population growth and limited resources.
The city boasts numerous historic landmarks and attractions, including the reconstructed royal palaces, Andafiavaratra Palace, the tomb of Rainiharo, Tsimbazaza Zoo, Mahamasina Stadium, Lake Anosy, four 19th-century martyr churches, and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. These sites reflect the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, making Antananarivo a vital and vibrant part of Madagascar.
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