consists of 18 ethnic groups (all speaking the same language!)
Was populated (ca. in the last 1500 years) by people from Borneo and southeast Asia, and later by East-Africans, Arabs, and European pirates, goods and slave traders, colonists, and missionaries.
has biodiversity. 80 % of its plants and animals are unique types that are only found in Madagascar.
has a large rice, coffee, vanilla and cloves production/export industry, as well as a growing tourism industry.
officially gained its independence from France in 1960, followed by political instability.
Malagasy Language
belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian (austronesian) language group
has also adopted Bantu (from East-Africa), Arabic, English, and French words
are in active, passive and relative. There are five types of passive verbs, and 9 circumstances in which you use the relative form of the verb. Passive and relative is used more than active.
Fandriana
is a village in the Central Highlands of Madagascar, at 1391 m.o.h
has a population of ~ 29000 people (2001)
can be translated "bed"
is known for the teacher preparation school, SFM, which is owned by the Lutheran Church in Madagascar, and where many Norwegian missionaries have worked at or visited through the years.