Saturday 30 May 2009

Best Hotel Deals

best hotel deals="best hotel deals"
best site to get hotel deals for Las Vegas?

Going to Las Vegas for a one night saturday stay on March 19th and want to get a great hotel on the strip if possible.


whenever i go anywhere i always book on laterooms, you can get 5star hotel suites for around £100 saving £200, not sure if thats the best for vegas but its defo the best in europe.


The Ultimate Hotel Room- Palms Penthouse in Las Vegas









best hotel deals
best hotel deals

Holidays In Laos

holidays in laos_2="holidays in laos"

Gear up for an adventure holiday in Vietnam

Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in a multitude of adventurous activities. There are plenty of thrills for the adrenalin junkie including snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving. Furthermore, exploring the crystal clear blue waters of Nha Trang is sure to leave them mesmerized.




Adventure-seeking tourists ought to explore Vietnam. An action-packed Vietnam tour will regenerate their mind, body and spirit. It will help them unwind and de-stress. There are many things to do in Vietnam. Exploring the floating markets in the Mekong Delta is a must do activity. Crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnel will also leave an indelible impression on your mind. Incidentally, the Vietnamese New Year is not to be missed. Tourists from all over the world come to experience the wonderful fireworks, acrobatics and other events. There are reasons galore to visit Vietnam.




The sublime beauty of Vietnam's natural setting will leave you awestruck. The vibrant atmosphere of the country is further enhanced by attractive monuments, spacious boulevards, exotic restaurants and more. It is also a shoppers' paradise. Uncover the hitherto lesser known facets of the country. Contact a reputable Vietnam tour operator to book at the earliest. You can choose from various packages tailored to meet your exact needs. Feel free to explore adventure Vietnam travel tour packages online. There are two day packages, five day packages, twelve day packages, sixteen days and more. They cover myriad destinations and interesting highlights of Vietnam.




Like Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are also ideal for those seeking adventure, rejuvenation and relaxation.  A family holiday to Laos can help you reconnect with loved ones. Spending quality time with family members can get you closer to them. What better way than bonding over adventure sports. Cycling adventures from Thailand to Laos and biking tours from Luang Prabang to Hanoi are not to be missed. Moreover, the markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are well worth your time. Ditto for sightseeing and nightlife! There are many activities to keep you entertained and engrossed. Rest assured that you will come back with beautiful memories etched in your mind.




Gear up for an adventure holiday in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. You can opt for the three country travel package to make enormous savings. Customize your tour and save a great deal of your time and money. Check out special promotion packages online. Get in touch with a reliable Vietnam tour operator to have your tour organized in the most professional way. Let your hair down to revel in an experience of a lifetime!


About the Author

www.asianatravelmate.com Vietnam Tours we Custom Your Private Vietnam Holiday Packages from Leisure Travel to soft adventure Cycling and Trekking Travel or just a Cruise holiday though Indochina of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia



Lost in time in Laos









holidays in laos
holidays in laos

Laos Trekking

laos trekking_3="laos trekking"
solo travelling first time - where shall i go?

Your Open QuestionShow me another »
Solo travelling for first time - where should i go?
Hi, i need help. I am going to take a week off and i am looking to go solo travelling for the first time. However i dont know where i can go for solo travelling for a week. I was thinking US but a week is not good enough for us. that has to be at least two weeks if im going to explore the US. Other options are italy, egypt, laos or peru. But i cant seem to decide. Can any of you guys tell me where i can go? dont say india cos im going trekking in india in july or dont say france, germany or london (i live in london)

Help a brother out guys, any ideas.


Manual Antonio State Park in Costa Rica or for that matter any place along the west or east coast of Costa Rica where there are places to stay. The scenic beauty and wildlife are spectacular. There is also another place that has what you want and that is the north island of New Zealand. Were you into bicycle riding you can travel all over the island and stay in hostels along the way and meet people and experience some of the most scenic areas on earth. Were your choice to be New Zealand you will not be disappointed and you may even want to move there as it absolutely a very beautiful place to live and visit. I visited both the north and south islands of New Zealand and found the North to be the most beautiful, but there are also parts of the south island to be beautiful as well. Back in 1987 I wanted to go somewhere for a scenic and adventurous vacation and I chose Nepal and I trekked to remote villages on a 19 day trek that began in Kathmandu and returned to Kathmandu. After Nepal I went to Bangkok, Thailand and saw most of the Buddhist temples in Bangkok and found the Thai people to be very friendly. I had trouble with the food though as they put hot spices on almost everything and my mouth had a hard time keeping food inside to chew before swallowing it so often times I just put the food in my mouth and swallowed it without chewing it. The experience of trekking in Nepal is to me the experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget. I traveled with a group and we had porters to carry everything who also set up camp and prepared meals for us. The Nepalese people are loving and caring and they invited us into their homes as we came into the villages. The scenery is fantastic as one goes through rain forests and climbs high mountain passes that bring the full experience of the Himalayas into reality while marveling at the magnificence and grandeur this space ship we call Earth has to offer. Enjoy and experience life and you will be find adventure whenever you close your eyes and think about the places you have visited as I am doing right now with extreme joy and happiness that I made the decision to be adventurous and live life to the fullest. I am a 70 year old man and I am as fit as I was when I was in my 30's because I live life to the fullest and take care of my body and my mind. This is the secret to living a long life and it is too bad that more people haven't learned how to live life to the fullest and live a long and healthy life rather than make choices that will shorten their lives. Be adventurous and grab life by the hand and run with it and you will find happiness beyond your wildest dreams. You are a child now and so am I even though I am 70 years old because I am young at heart.


Laos Trekking Adventure - Kuang Si Waterfall "Fair Trek" hike









laos trekking
laos trekking

Thursday 28 May 2009

Laos Info

laos info_4="laos info"

The real dirt bike on the northwest, Vietnam

Motorbike trip is wonderful for those who have good health and like more adventure in their travels. Bike tours to the rugged region offer a more direct experience of the life of its people.

It is probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but discovering Vietnam’s rugged and scenic northwest on a motorbike is more than an exhilarating experience.

Those who have undertaken it say it enables them to see “life as it truly is for the Vietnamese people.”

Dramatic landscapes and sweeping panoramas become more direct and intense when the visitor is not enclosed within a vehicle. Watching the rural population doing about its business also becomes a more intimate affair.

“We started the itinerary to four mountainous provinces – Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lao Cai – in the northwest region with a 130 km ride to Mai Chau,” said Andre Prince, who took the 7-day journey with six friends from Canada.

Together with a tour guide, they left Hanoi at 8:30 a.m. and rode the dirt-bikes (175cc and 250cc Yamaha and Honda) west to Mai Chau, home to the Thai ethnic minority.

They traveled on road No. 6 passing expansive rice paddies and scenic villages and stopped for refreshment before tackling 70km of undulating roads with great views of mountains and valleys before reaching Mai Chau at noon.

“We were really impressed by the traditional stilt-houses, the dances and meals at Pom Coong, a village of the White Thai ethnic minority,” said Andre.

The group left for Son La Province the next morning.

Kien, the tour guide, said the motorbike trip of about 1,000 km is wonderful for those who have good health and like more adventure in their travels. The tour is also great for finding several vantage spots for photography, he added.

Besides the tea plantations in Moc Chau Plateau – the destination of the best green tea in Vietnam that grows along the roads on the hillsides in Son La, the valley of Dien Bien Phu also offers magnificent views.

Here “the ride is more adventurous with more winding roads and longer passes, while offering more colorful minority groups and more stunning scenery,” said Andre, adding that the highlight of Dien Bien Province could be the impressive Pha Din

Pass, which means Heaven-Earth. According to local legend, it was the frontier between Heaven and Earth. Pha Din is some 1,000m above sea-level.

“Climbing and descending the slopes with their many bends and deep gorges is a really unforgettable experience,” Andre said.

The fourth day was scheduled for Lao Cai, where stops at H’mong and Dao villages refreshed the crew after a 225 km ride along stunning gorges and the Nam Na River.

Fittingly, Sa Pa was the pinnacle of the trip, where the group stayed for two days and visited several ethnic minority villages deep in the forest.

“Sa Pa is a paradise for trekking lovers. It has so many routes with views of beautiful terraced fields, diverse minority groups and the highest peak in Indochina, the Fansipan.”

The group also got off their bikes to take a jeep ride downhill to the Muong Hoa Valley, where they trekked on dirt paths through pine forest, terraced fields and H’mong villages. En route they stopped to visit minority schools and had a picnic lunch by the river.

TOUR INFORMATION
Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien – Lao Cai – Hanoi
7-day trip with 5 days of motorcycling
Motorcycling grade: Moderate to Challenging
From US$546 per person
Contact: Active Travel Vietnam
Email: info@activetravel.asia
Head office: 31 Alley 4, Dang Van Ngu St., Hanoi
Operation office: 367 Ngo Quyen St., Son Tra Dist., Da Nang
Operation office: 50 Bis Co Bac St., Dist. 1, HCMC
Support number (24/7 service): + 84 - 4 - 3 573 8569

Reported by Hoang Kien/Thanhniennews

Related sites:
Motorcycling Vietnam Travel Guide
Motorcycling tours in Vietnam


About the Author

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.



Don Khong, Laos - Buffalos









laos info
laos info
laos info

Wednesday 27 May 2009

Tourism In Laos

tourism in laos_3="tourism in laos"

SV Laos in DHV ( Tourism Board ) 02









tourism in laos
tourism in laos
tourism in laos

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Laos Airlines

laos airlines_3="laos airlines"
Advice on cheap travel to Cambodia?

I am going to be travelling to Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos from Australia. Anyone have any advice or know of good cheap airlines from here to there?


Now book your cheap fare Air Asia for free in the Web and catch from S'pore to Cambodia.......onwards. For the next 2 months only & just paying the tax & adm charges. Try your luck now!!!


Takeoff - Lao Airlines ATR72 Luang Prabang to Chiangmai









laos airlines
laos airlines
laos airlines

Friday 22 May 2009

What To See In Laos

what to see in laos="what to see in laos"
where do the jonas brothers live in Laos angeles?

please.
I am from Brazil, and for my 15th brithday present my mom is giving me this trip to Los Angeles... well I never had a chance to meet the Jonas Brothers, because everytime I go to the US they are not touring :/ so all I ask is for understanding... and if you want to think I'm a stalker go ahead , think what you want, I really don't care... but I had never had a chance to meet them ... while people that live in the US have many chances... my dream is to see them, and have been for 2 years and I'll not give up... please , help me.
thanks (:


Ugh. I wish i knew.
Look for any concerts n' stuff cuz im pretty sure no one knows their exact address...=P

Have fun on your trip though and i hope you somehow "run into them" or meet them.

Cant wait for the world tour.
...Im sure they'll come to Brazil.


UNICEF: Youth radio initiative in Lao PDR









what to see in laos
what to see in laos
what to see in laos

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Lao Map

lao map_2="lao map"

Using Google Map to get route directions

Google Map (formerly Google Local) is a world broad web mapping service submission and expertise supplied by Google, free (for non-commercial use), that forces numerous map-based services, encompassing the Google Map website, Google Ride Finder, Google Transit, and charts embedded on third-party websites by the Google Map API. It boasts road charts, a path planner for traveling by base, vehicle, or public transport and built-up enterprise locator for many nations round the world. Google Map satellite pictures are not in genuine time; they are some months or years old. Google Map values a close variant of the Mercator projection, so it will not display localities round the poles. Associated merchandise is Google Earth, a stand-alone program which boasts more globe-viewing characteristics, encompassing displaying polar areas.




 




Satellite view




Google Map presents high-resolution satellite pictures for most built-up localities in the United States (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as components of Australia and numerous other countries. The high-resolution imagery has been utilized by Google Map to cover all of Egypt's Nile Valley, Sahara wasteland and Sinai. Google Map furthermore wrappings numerous towns in the English talking areas. However, Google Map is not solely an English charts service, since its service is proposed to cover the world. Various authorities have deplored about the promise for terrorists to use the satellite pictures in designing attacks. Google has distorted some localities for security (mostly in the United States), encompassing the U.S. Naval Observatory locality (where the authorized house of the Vice President is located), and previously the United States Capitol and the White House. Other well-known government installations, encompassing Area 51 in the Nevada wasteland, are visible. Not all localities on satellite pictures are enclosed in the identical resolution; less populated localities generally get less detail. Some localities may be obscured by patches of clouds. With the introduction of an effortlessly pannable and searchable mapping and satellite imagery device, Google's mapping motor provoked a rush of concern in satellite imagery. Sites were established which characteristic satellite pictures of intriguing natural and man-made breakthroughs, encompassing such novelties as "large type" composing evident in the imagery, as well as well renowned stadia and exclusive geological formations. Although Google values the phrase satellite, most of the high-resolution imagery is aerial taking photographs taken from airplane soaring at 800–1500 feet other than from satellites.




 




Contiguous districts on Google Map




 




The "Get Directions" choice presents a path planner. Depending on the locality, it may permit the alternative between "by car", "by public transit" (see the Google Transit part below), and "walking".




 




Google Map main headings works for the choice "by car":





  • Contiguously on the African mainland, with the exclusion of Egypt, Lesotho and the Spanish towns of Ceuta and Melilla

  • Contiguously in Europe, the Middle East and South Asia: Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark (excluding the Faroe Islands), Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Gibraltar, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nepal, The Netherlands, Norway (excluding Svalbard), Pakistan, Poland, Portugal (excluding the Azores and Madeira), Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Spain (including the Canary Islands and Ceuta and Melilla), Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and the Vatican City

  • Contiguously in North America: Belize, Canada, Mexico, and the United States

  • Contiguously in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru (most components, except for demonstration Iquitos and other locations in the Loreto region)

  • Contiguously in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, peninsular Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam

  • In certain noncontiguous nations and regions: Australia, Barbados, China, Comoros, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Hawaii, Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia (Bali, Java, Madura, and Sumatra contiguously, Lombok, Sulawesi, ), Israel (and components of the West Bank), Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Macau, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (mainland in development), Puerto Rico, Réunion, Russia (Moscow locality only), Sabah, Sarawak, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Timor-Leste (eastern half only), Turks and Caicos Islands, Upolu (Samoa), and the US Virgin Islands.


About the Author

Google Map
Windows XP boot disk



"Southern Laos" Alanonwalkabout's photos around LongChen, Lao Peoples Dem Rep









lao map
lao map
lao map

Www.laos

www.laos_3="www.laos"

Laos









www.laos
www.laos

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Weather In Luang Prabang

weather in luang prabang="weather in luang prabang"

"Dragon boat racing in Luang Prabang" Emmaandpaul's photos around Luang Prabang (travel pics)








weather in luang prabang
weather in luang prabang
weather in luang prabang

Monday 18 May 2009

Vientiane Lao Pdr

vientiane lao pdr="vientiane lao pdr"

"Pi Mai Lao in Vientiane, Lao PDR" Worldwildtravel's photos around Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep









vientiane lao pdr
vientiane lao pdr
vientiane lao pdr

What Is Tourism Marketing

what is tourism marketing="what is tourism marketing"

A Tourism Marketing Platform like None Other

If your tourism business is yet to take off properly because of problems with the marketing aspect of things, then you need a proper tourism marketing strategy, chalked out by professionals. Advanced travel marketing solutions for hotels and tourism destinations is what really makes these services stand out.

In these days of competition, one cannot really say that the services provided by a particular hotel, of a certain standard, are better than another hotel of the same standard. Everyone has to give the best services that they can, to stay in the business. It is the marketing which makes all the difference. If you can't market your hotel or your tourism service in the best manner possible, then you can say goodbye to lucrative deals and bookings.

M For Marketing

One can use different marketing platforms to market their hotel or their tourism service. "arcRes" is one of the best platforms around. It is basically a travel publishing system which enables you to portray your hotel in its best light. In fact, it comes with a booking engine, complete with a central reservation system.

If you want to put up rates, special offers, packages and destinations even, such services can take care of that for you. Platforms such as arcRes ensure that you get maximum visibility, which is one of the fundamental strategies or principles of travel and tourism marketing. If you're visible and prominent, then you can be rest assured that you will experience a boost in sales and bookings.

Change

Advertising, hotel marketing and travel marketing have come a long way since their inception. If you are armed with the proper advertising tools, then you can be rest assured that you'll find success. Advertising today, is not just a simple link that one must click on, in order to view your page.

It is a full fledged application which features shopping, advertising, marketing and of course, bookings, in an easy-to-use, user friendly format. In fact, if you are looking to properly advertise your hotel or tourism business, then you need to use all the tools at your disposal, some of which include, Smartphones, social networking sites like facebook and even travel enterprise channels.

One needs a marketing firm or a platform to manage all these features for the hotel or a tourism service, simply because it is not feasible to manage all of this on one's own. Moreover, outsourcing this work also comes cheaper in the long run.

Services like "arcRes" ensure that you can have your very own page in popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, are visible on smartphone devices of various makes like Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and also create specials which are conveyed by RSS feeds to a huge number of site. So, if you're looking for a travel and tourism marketing solution, then chances are, "arcRes" will have one for you!


About the Author

Visit http://arcres.com/tourism-marketing-platform.cfm and get the most advanced travel marketing solutions for hotels, activities and tourism destinations.



Tourism Marketing









what is tourism marketing
what is tourism marketing
what is tourism marketing

Vientiane Accommodation

vientiane accommodation_3="vientiane accommodation"

"Relaxing doing nothing" Worldtrip_kp's photos around Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep









vientiane accommodation
vientiane accommodation
vientiane accommodation

Saturday 16 May 2009

Cheap Hotel I

cheap hotel i="cheap hotel i"

Cheap Hotel Prices?

Finding a cheap hotel near? I was wondering how many millions of people are concerned with that question this year? I am looking for a cheap hotel close to? Or maybe this one I want to stay at a cheap hotel close to? I was recently looking to make some reservations for a little vacation that we are trying to reserve for an extra long weekend later on in the year. I just noticed how I was constantly searching for a cheap hotel near such and such city when it occurred to me how many more millions of people have adjusted their search for travel reservations to include the term a cheap hotel near.

We thought about that simple phrase and how many thousands of people are keying in cheap hotels near my destination city. I think it just speaks volumes to how much we as a people have moved in our priorities to go on cheap vacations at the cheaper hotels we can discover. Think about that for a second it was probably not that long ago, perhaps maybe only a year ago when you were making reservations at the most convenient hotels you wanted to stay at. Giving more priority to convenience and over the top stuff as opposed to the prices on the hotel. People were staying as close to their destination as they could and usually in the best hotel that cash could buy. If you are like us than finding the most affordable hotel near or the cheapest hotel in the area that you want to stay but the cheapest hotels get priority.

Just when you do a quick search on the internet on finding the cheapest hotel near you come up with almost 50 millions hits about cheap hotels. Do another search on the internet only instead of looking up the cheapest hotel near this time look up the luxury hotel closest to, wow what a difference it's only about eleven million sites for that. That is almost an even five cheap hotels to every one for luxury hotels closest to. I do not remember searching to reserve a vacation in the past with the goal of getting the cheapest hotel near. Normally the first thing we would look for when making a reservation for our accommodations would be finding the best hotel with all the extras and in the location we wanted it to be in. If that meant costing us a few more dollars that was OK, but now that the economy is in a total mess. The cheap hotels statement is at the top of our priorities as we look to plan and book our next vacation.

Considering that sites like travelocity and orbitz would not be in business today if not for the fact that we are all about finding the cheapest hotel rates. That whole travel website industry was founded on that simple little phrase if you think about it, travelers searching for the cheapest hotel rates. That phrase and online travel sites like those with the ease of access on the internet have come together to pretty much put an end to the careers of travel agents all over the world.

So now we are getting some news updates of travel advisers from different travel sites waiting for the best cheap hotel near rate that we can get. I will say this for the recession it sure has the made the finding of cheap hotels near our desired location all the more enjoyable as the hotel rates compared to last year must be a good 10% cheaper than they were just a year ago. Hopefully there is some comfort in knowing as each week goes by and we see cheaper hotel rates than we saw just a couple of weeks back that at least we will have no problems finding a cheap hotel near, for this year anyway.


About the Author

Sharing Opinions One BlogShot At a Time



Cheap Hotel Rooms - Tune Hotels.com: A cheap hotel stay option for all









cheap hotel i
cheap hotel i

Guest House Laos

guest house laos_2="guest house laos"

Cambodia Travel Guide

 







Cambodia is rich in history, culture and amazing tourism resources. Cambodia also provides visitors with a variety of once undiscovered cultural and historical attractions throughout the Kingdom and the dual theme guiding Cambodia tourism is "Culture and Nature". But there are lot of things you should know before discover this beautiful country…




Passport and Visas:
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. It is meant to say a valid passport and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtained at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap (Angkor) Airport. All travelers have to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa application. A one-month tourist visa costs US$20 while a business visa costs US$25.00. Visa application form will be provided on inbound flights. Visas are also available at Thai/Cambodian overland border crossing.





Currency:

Riel is the Cambodia’s currency. To check for the today’s exchange rate, please refer to our GoCambodia’s front-page, located top right page. However the US dollar is widely accepted.





Transportation:




· To and From Cambodia: Most tourists are flying into the International Airports at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently a growing numbers of visitors are also arriving overland from Cambodia and Thailand.




· On arrival, Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxis can be rented just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh International airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $7.00 while Motordub is charging $1.00 to $2.00. The distance is about 8 kilometers to town.




Hotel:
Room rate is starting from $3 to $200 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses with no air-con but fan, a motel style will cost you from $10 to $45 or you may stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana, Le Royal or Inter-Continental. The cost of $10 and up will equip with air conditioner, refrigerator and a cable TV.

Tipping and Bargaining:
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia but if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Salaries remain extremely low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things. A persuasive smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price.




 




The tourist behavior code is written with the intention to minimize any that may arise between tourists and residents due to differences in language and customs. It is also to reinforce and even renew a sense of pride in the local people, their culture and provide an opportunity for tourists to learn, appreciate and respect the Khmer culture. It aims to inform tourists about the local society, its customs, dress code and acceptable behavior in religious and other places.




 




Swakum ! Welcome !




Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. It makes no difference whether you are here on business or pleasure. You are in for a treat. You will catch a glimpse of the Khmer people, their history, culture and nature through the pristine beaches, natural landscapes, quaint villages, exotic traditional dances, the world famous Angkor complex and archaeological treasures.




 




Proper Greetings




Cambodians traditionally greet each other by joining their hands together in front of their chest and bowing often (Chum Reap Suor) followed by the western practice of shaking hands.Although men tend to shake ands with each other, women usually use the traditional greeting with both men and other women. It is considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with Cambodians of both sexes. When you are invited to a gathering, it is polite to make an effort to properly greet the




people you meet on your arrival.




· You should respond to greetings from others. It is considered disrespectful not to return greetings by other people.




· When you enter pagodas (wats) sit with your feet to the side rather than in lotus position, then you join both hands together under chin and bow three times to the floor. Always be seated when the monks are seated.




 




Photography




There are many photographic shops in Cambodia, offering international standard services. Be sure to take plenty of photographs so you can take back good memories of the Kingdom. Photographers are free to shoot almost everything. However, a few principles should be observed.




 




· If photographing local people, always ask their permission first. Most of them will be happy to pose for you.




· Taking photographs of military bases and other designated security areas is prohibited.




· Ask permission before taking photos inside pagodas, royal palaces, other sacred places or special events.







Visiting Pagodas (Wats) and other religious and traditional places




The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, which is also practiced in neighboring countries like Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The sight of a saffron-robed monk is common throughout the Kingdom and almost every village had a pagoda (wat).




· Visitors should dress neatly in all religious places. They should never go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.




· Shoes, sandals and a hat should be removed when entering a mosque or a pagoda (wat) where Buddhist images are kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, well kept or in ruins, is regarded sacred.




· Never climb onto a Buddha or photograph a Buddha inside a temple without asking permission. Always be respectful when viewing a Buddha image.




 







Tipping




There is no regulation on tipping in Cambodia. However, tipping is greatly appreciated as salaries are low. The value of the tip is optional, depending on individual generosity. It should commensurate with the level of service rendered.




A small present, instead of a tip, is greatly appreciated.




 




Shopping




Bargaining is a way of life in Cambodia and many shops will offer discounts after negotiation. Cambodia is noted for its handicrafts - handmade articles such as silk materials, wood carvings, stone copies of Khmer art, silver items and jeweler are worth buying. It is illegal to export any antique art objects.




 




Personal Behavior




Polite behavior is welcome everywhere. What is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Cambodia too. However, there are few customs, social and religious taboos.




· Cambodians admire a calm and considered approach to all aspects of life. Open show of temper and anger should be avoided.




· It is considered a grave insult to touch another person's head, even if is meant as a friendly gesture.




· Use the right hand to accept things or shake hands.




· It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.




· Keep an open mind and do not demand much from your host. Loud voices and boisterous behavior are considered impolite. Smiling and nodding establishes good intent.




· Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
If you like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand, palm down. Do not signal with your finger.




· When picking your teeth with a toothpick after a meal, it is considered polite to hold the toothpick with one hand and to cover your open mouth with the other.




· In private homes, it is polite to remove your shoes when entering the house.




· Be appreciative of people who appreciate




· By observing the behavior code, you can thoroughly enjoy your stay in Cambodia and take home pleasant memories.




 




For more tips about traveling in Cambodia, please visit : http://www.activetravelcambodia.com




You will find what you need for an adventure journey to Cambodia.
And remember that : The more you go, the more you get.


About the Author

I love Cambodia .Exploring this fantastic destination is a great adventure in my life.
I want to share all my experiences to make you feel this beautiful country. Hope that you will love Cambodia as much as I love it.



Bou Pha guest house in Luang Prabang, Laos









guest house laos
guest house laos
guest house laos

Friday 15 May 2009

Special Hotels

special hotels="special hotels"

Las Vegas Holiday Shopping and Special Hotel Decorations

Las Vegas is known for its doing everything over the top and well, the holiday season is no exception. It is quite an enjoyable time to visit Las Vegas for several reasons; Christmas shopping and decorations.

Christmas Shopping in Las Vegas

While local malls are fun to see during the holiday season, they do not compare to Christmas shopping in Las Vegas. Most every major hotel has a massive shopping center of some sort and if that's not good enough there are tons of outlets close to the city. Some of the best shops include: Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, Le Boulevard at Paris, Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, The Shops at the newly opened Cosmopolitan, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and Via at the Bellagio. These highly styled and decorated shopping centers are filled with all of the favorite clothing designers and jewelry including: Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Ann Taylor, Aber Crombie & Fitch, Louis Vuitton and more. With literally thousands of shops located in a 4 mile radius, there should be no excuses to not find exactly what you are looking for. After a day of shopping, you will be ready to relax in the best hotel spas and suites. And to top the night off, you can go to an amazing world class restaurant or to one of the many a highly talked about special Christmas shows, like Wayne Newton.

Las Vegas Christmas Decorations & Entertainment

Decorations in Las Vegas during Christmas are expected to be like much everything else, over the top. Christmas time is without a doubt a sight to see in Vegas. Giant decorated Christmas trees, poinsettias and millions of light strands are located throughout the hotels properties and casinos. Also, Bellagio's fountains are expertly performed to Christmas music. While you are gambling, you will also notice that the casino employees are festively dressed in complete holiday attire. Las Vegas spends good deal of money decorating the casinos, hotel and shopping centers for the holiday season. If you get tired of looking at decorations, you can always go to the Pawn Shop to see famous and historic items. A word of advice, be sure to plan your trip in advanced due to the fact that everything, including plane tickets and hotel rooms, get a little bit more expensive. Look to take advantage of special Vegas holiday deals.


About the Author

This article is provided by Las Vegas Coupons – An online Las Vegas discount search engine for hotel deals for Harrahs Package Codes and Caesars Palace Codes.



Minecraft Special Ep 01- Guinea Pig Hotels + Tips!









special hotels
special hotels

Visit Laos

visit laos="visit laos"

Travel to Laos - Laos cities and attractions

Despite being the capital and largest city of Laos, Vientiane is really no more than a small town sitting on the northern bank of the Mekong River. Like other French colonial cities, it has its share of wide boulevards and old villas, but the city is not awash with things to see or things to do. The trick here is to slow down to Vientiane's laid back rhythm and take in a few of the sights at a leisurely pace, breaking up the day with a meal, snack or drink at one of the city's many cafés or restaurants.




Among the sights to see is Pha That Luang, The Great Stupa of Vientiane, built in the 16th century on the site of 13th century Khmer temple which in turn was built over a 3rd century Indian temple. The golden temple is Vientiane's most important religious building and one of the most important in Laos. The temple was destroyed in the Thai invasion of 1828 but was reconstructed in the 1930s from original drawings.




The Lao National Museum was built in 1925 as the French governor's residence and today is dedicated to presenting the history of Laos from and its struggle for independence from foreign occupiers.




425 km north of Vientiane is Luang Prabang. Until the communist takeover in 1975, this was the capital of Laos and today it remains its spiritual centre. The small city is a mixture of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples with their monks in their colourful robes.




Here you can visit the former Royal Palace, home of the Lao kings until 1975 and now the Laos national museum. The palace is a curious mixture of traditional Lao style mixed with a strong French influence all overlaid with Buddhist symbolism. The museum is full of treasures from Lao history and the private quarters of the royal family are preserved as it was when they left.




Nearby natural attractions include the Kuang Si Falls, consisting of one 180 foot main waterfall, and several smaller falls from one pool to another. 25 kilometers from Luang Prabang are the Pak Ou caves. These are only accessible by boat and the two caves are filled with hundreds of Buddhist figures covering the floors and wall shelves, all left there by pilgrims and the local people. It is estimated that there is a total of around 4,000 figures in the two caves.




In the far south of Laos, the Mekong River spreads to be approximately 14 km wide and in the dry season the water recedes leaving thousands of islands ranging from the smallest sandbars to inhabitable islands. The area is known as Si Phan Don or Four Thousand Islands. Among the permanent islands is Don Khong, 18km long and 8km wide, This is an ideal place to spend a very quiet time exploring the fishing villages or just watching the Mekong River flow by. If you are lucky you will also see the local dolphins. Bamboo bungalows are available to rent.




Laos is the most recent of the SE Asian countries to open its doors to tourists and now is an ideal time to visit as the country remains relatively unspoiled.




Are you planning to visit Laos? Please contact Indochina Odyssey Tours, maybe they can give you some help.


About the Author

Indohina Odyssey Tours - Your trustworthy Indochina Vietnam tour operator since 1987. Personalized and worry-free service in tours, hotels and tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.



My Visit to Laos








visit laos
visit laos
visit laos

Thursday 14 May 2009

Luang Prabang Luxury Hotels

luang prabang luxury hotels_2="luang prabang luxury hotels"

How to Find Indochina and Vietnam travel Deals

Travel Plan
You will see many travel tips supported by local Indochina & Vietnam tour operators and travel agencies. Visit their website you can find many interesting travel guide, tips and information for all destinations in Vietnam and Indochina. However, if you have the favorite destinations such as Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Mekong Delta, Angkor Wat or Luang Prabang. You can search more specific such as "Halong Bay travel tips". You will find many Halong travel tips and deals with variety prices of depend on tour operators.

Other ways, you should find travel suggestions, tips, experience and information about Indochina & Vietnam in some famous tourist sites like TripAdvisor, Loneyplannet. In addition, you should visit the site of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: vietnamtourism.com. The web provides useful information about the country and people of Indochina and Vietnam. Here you also find traveler's reviews in the list of leading local tour operators and travel agencies as well as most of the tour is available in Vietnam. You have many options with great culture, cruise and golf tours in wide price range.

Please note that the prices on the websites are public prices for fixed tours. If you are interested in any customized or tailor-made tours you should send a request via email, chatting, telephone for travel companies to get quotations accurately. In some special cases, you can negotiate a better price. To consider and compare the price of any tours you should note the inclusive and exclusive of a tour such as hotels, private cars or not, meals, air-ticket…. The tour price is the total payment, all inclusive fees: travel tickets, bank charges, VAT or not, what services not included in the tour. Then, you consider the advantages - disadvantages to decide.

Flexible Itinerary
When you have favorite destinations, the next and most important step to get best deals for Vietnam travel is to ask yourself "What's fixed and What's flexible?" You should consider which of your traveling options are already set in stone (for example, destination) and which of your options are able to be changed (for example, when you would go, by which transport?).

Travel Destinations
Is there interesting pleaces you like and must see in Vietnam and Indochina such as Hanoi, Nha Trang, Halong, Hoi An, Saigon, Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang? And if you go to there, which spots you want to see? Besides, are you just looking for a general vacations? Is there an activity you are looking for (for example, cruise, sightseeing, golfing)? The more flexible you are with your destination the better deals you will get.

Travel seasons
Do you have a set week or month you want to travel to Vietnam and Indochina? If you travel to Vietnam in the low season from April to September every year you can get save 20-30% off compared with the high season. Let's say you want to cruise in the Mekong Delta, you can see the price of some luxury Mekong cruise as Jayavarman Cruise, Pandaw Cruises, RV La Marguerite Cruise in the high season is about 1.3 to two times higher than the low season. Moreover, if you are planning a trip to Vietnam and Indochina in the next year compared to the trip this weekend, it will make a difference in cost.

Last minute booking
Sometime you can get best deals when book tours or accommodations in the last minute. For example, people usually book La Maguerite Cruises before six months to one year because this is popular Mekong cruise. It's often full and quite difficult to get a cabin. However, some customers can cancel their trip, and these cabins can be offered with better price in the last minute. If you want to get best deals when booking Mekong cruise or Halong bay cruise you should send a request with flexible departure date as soon as possible to travel agents such as www.activetravelshop.com, who provide some special deals so that they put you on the waiting list.

Transportation
Do you have to take a plane to get to your destination? Alternatively, you get there by bus or train or boat? If you are able to get to your vacation spot by multiple means you will likely get a better ticket price. If you take a plane from Hanoi to Da Nang you have to pay $50 but go by train it just cost $ 20.

Number of People
If you travel with your family or friends you get the cost less than going alone. And booking Indochina and Vietnam tours for as many people as better deals you get because you can share hostel rooms and certain transportation.

Suggestions

There are many travel websites if you search on google, yahoo or bing.com but how to find the travel guide, tips and advices that you want before planning to travel Indochina & Vietnam.

Website for travel guide

Trip Advisor - www.tripadvisor.com
Lonely Planet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Vietnam travel guide - www.activetravelvietnam.com/vietnam_travel_guides.html

Website for National Parks
Vietnam National Parks - www.vietnamnationalparks.org

Website for Air-tickets in Indochina
Vietnam Airlines - www.vietnamairlines.com

Website for adventure travel in Vietnam & Indochina
Active Travel Vietnam - www.activetravelvietnam.com
Active Travel Cambodia - www.activetravelcambodia.com

Website for accommodations, Visa, travel services
Travel Shop - www.activetravelshop.com

Website for Travel News & beauty of Indochina & Vietnam
Active Travel Magazine - www.activetravelmagazines.com

Source: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=150295971661610


About the Author

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.



Travel in 10 Travel Podcast -Videocast 8 - Los Angeles ...








luang prabang luxury hotels
luang prabang luxury hotels
luang prabang luxury hotels

Tuesday 12 May 2009

Holidays To Laos

holidays to laos_3="holidays to laos"
Please forgive misuse of this travel in USA section?

In UK we often call Americans but in a recent visit I received nothing but hospitality patience and kindness, in Laos Angles, Palm Springs, Vegas, and San Francisco and other places. I thank them all and that includes the Immigration at Los Angeles who I could not fault.
The American dream is not my dream but I thank you all. However, I wish I could get a decent cup of tea in USA and can understand why you throw the stuff overboard at Boston. I forgive you on the grounds that you can not get everything right. Once again to those I met thank you for a wonderful holiday
carolus. please I was not being sarcastic I meant what I said. I had a wonderful holiday and the people I met were friendly and very polite. I could not fault them except for the tea problem. This is caused by the fact that they do not infuse the tea with boiling water. I do not know why but hot water does not do the trick


SO PLEASED YOU ENJOYED


Vietnam Cycling Holidays









holidays to laos
holidays to laos
holidays to laos

Saturday 9 May 2009

Development Travel Tourism Industry

development travel tourism industry="development travel tourism industry"

Internet Eases Travel Tourism Industry Communication

Imagine having numerous travel consultants and agent all over the world and one can talk and communicate with them so easily. This is amazing. Indeed the Internet is one of the most fascinating innovations of the century. You can access any information or transmit messages across the world in a flash. To get on the Internet populary known as




the Net you simply connect your computer to the International net work via an Internet service or access . Once you are on line connected to the Net your computer can talk to any other computer on the Internet.




Before the internet came around the table the fax and telephone was looked as the major and best way to communicate. As I talk am in Uganda a third world country where internet started around 1998. By this time I was already in the tourism sector but confirming safari was not as easy as it is today. It was not easy to deal with your customer/clients directly. It was a must to use an agent in different parts of the world in order to realize sales. We had to travel globally to have that physical contact and establish that trust between the ground tour operator and the agent. As if that was not enough, the Travel Agent also had to fly to make sure that he is dealing with real operator. Though Internet also has its short comings, but for those who understand it can easily locate the country, city, location by latitudes and longitudes using the IPS address. Thus this eliminates the doubt where one is located. There those who use satellite addresses but still one can tell.




By mid 1998 there were about 14 million Internet users world wide. Today more than 800 million have access to the Internet. This innovation favors most the travel and tourism sector very much and of the 800 million users tourism may account for 45%.The Net has become a fast growing tool for communication .The Internet demands a completely new way of doing business. It is now possible to send large amounts of information to a practically unlimited number of addressees recipients round the world. People can communicate and work with others in a rapid and simple way.



Fast data transfer automatically results in higher levels of quality and increases the speed of transactions connected with any given project. Today many people exploit the opportunities for business. For example some people transact their entire deals on line.



When it comes to Travel industry, internet has become the most needed tool today. Talk of airlines booking air tickets on line, hotel and lodge reservation on line, and above all the process of payments done on line using credit cards has made this industry very enjoyable.



People can have access via Internet the products/goods/services they wish to ordered, explains engineer Fred Okullo a communications specialist. In terms of tourism services , safaris are being confirmed every the other time. Holiday and vacation makers do not have to worry much as services are just away from a mouse click of computer. We continue to confirm many Uganda tours of gorilla tracking game viewing and many more using this facility. on the Every stage of the of the value chain can be Internet based. Information on product development the manufacture of goods and services and the entire logistics chain associated with supply and delivery can be accessed through the Net.



The Internet was commercially introduced in Uganda at about the same time as cellular telephony services. Like in other countries the demand for Internet Services in Uganda has increased. Twelve years ago there were only two Internet Services Providers ISPs. Currently there 17 ISPs and 13 infrastructure provider lincensees with a mandate to provide voice and data services according to the Uganda Communications Commission UCC The Commission regulates Internet services among others



There is an Internet Point of presence POP at all district headquarters and there has been an increase in the deployment of wireless access infrastructure based on WIFI wimMAX hostspots .



All this has made the Uganda tourism and the world over a global village where one can communicate so easily and achieve his targets within shortest possible time.


About the Author

Fred



LGN Prosperity Travel Card









development travel tourism industry
development travel tourism industry
development travel tourism industry

Friday 8 May 2009

Lao Plaza

lao plaza="lao plaza"

Madagascar

History


Main article: History of Madagascar


As part of East Gondwana, the territory of Madagascar split from Africa approximately 160 million years ago; the island of Madagascar was created when it separated from the Indian subcontinent 80 to 100 million years ago. Most archaeologists estimate that the human settlement of Madagascar happened between 200 and 500 A.D., when seafarers from southeast Asia (probably from Borneo or the southern Celebes) arrived in outrigger sailing canoes. Bantu settlers probably crossed the Mozambique Channel to Madagascar at about the same time or shortly afterwards. However, Malagasy tradition and ethnographic evidence suggests that they may have been preceded by the Mikea hunter gatherers. The Anteimoro who established a kingdom in Southern Madagascar in the Middle Ages trace their origin to migrants from Somalia.


The written history of Madagascar begins in the 7th century, when Muslims established trading posts along the northwest coast. During the Middle Ages, the island's kings began to extend their power through trade with their Indian Ocean neighbours, notably Arab, Persian and Somali traders who connected Madagascar with East Africa, the Middle East and India.


Large chiefdoms began to dominate considerable areas of the island. Among these were the Sakalava chiefdoms of the Menabe, centred in what is now the town of Morondava, and of Boina, centred in what is now the provincial capital of Mahajanga (Majunga). The influence of the Sakalava extended across what are now the provinces of Antsiranana, Mahajanga and Toliara. Madagascar served as an important transoceanic trading port for the east African coast that gave Africa a trade route to the Silk Road, and served simultaneously as a port for incoming ships.


The wealth created in Madagascar through trade created a state system ruled by powerful regional monarchs known as the Maroserana. These monarchs adopted the cultural traditions of subjects in their territories and expanded their kingdoms. They took on divine status, and new nobility and artisan classes were created. Madagascar functioned in the East African Middle Ages as a contact port for the other Swahili seaport city-states such as Sofala, Kilwa, Mombasa and Zanzibar.


European contact began in the year 1500, when the Portuguese sea captain Diogo Dias sighted the island after his ship separated from a fleet going to India. The Portuguese continued trading with the islanders and named the island So Loureno (St. Lawrence). In 1666, Franois Caron, the Director General of the newly formed French East India Company, sailed to Madagascar. The Company failed to establish a colony on Madagascar but established ports on the nearby islands of Bourbon and Ile-de-France (today's Runion and Mauritius). In the late 17th century, the French established trading posts along the east coast.


The most famous pirate utopia is that of Captain Misson and his pirate crew, who allegedly founded the free colony of Libertatia in northern Madagascar in the late 17th century. From about 1774 to 1824, Madagascar was a favourite haunt for pirates, including Americans, one of whom brought Malagasy rice to South Carolina. Many European sailors were shipwrecked on the coasts of the island, among them Robert Drury, whose journal is one of the few written depictions of life in southern Madagascar during the 18th century. Sailors sometimes called Madagascar "Island of the Moon".


Andrianampoinimerina


(1795-1819)


Radama I


(1810-1828)


Ranavalona I


(1828-1861)


Radama II


(1861-1863)


Rasoherina


(1863-1868)


Ranavalona II


(1868-1883)


Ranavalona III


(1883-1897)


Beginning in the 1790s, Merina rulers succeeded in establishing hegemony over most of the island, including the coast. In 1817, the Merina ruler and the British governor of Mauritius concluded a treaty abolishing the slave trade, which had been important in Madagascar's economy. In return, the island received British military and financial assistance. British influence remained strong for several decades, during which the Merina court was converted to Presbyterianism, Congregationalism and Anglicanism.


With the domination of the Indian Ocean by the Royal Navy and the end of the Arab slave trade, the western Sakalava lost their power to the emerging Merina state. The Betsimisaraka of the east coast also unified, but this union soon faltered.


Queen Ranavalona I "the Cruel" (r. 1828-61) issued a royal edict prohibiting the practice of Christianity in Madagascar. By some estimates, 150,000 Christians died during the reign of Ranavalona. The island grew more isolated, and commerce with other nations came to a standstill.


France invaded Madagascar in 1883, in what became known as the first Franco-Hova War seeking to restore property that had been confiscated from French citizens. (Hova is one of three Merina classes: andriana aristocracy, hova common people, andevo slaves. The term hova was wrongly used by the French to mean Merina.) At the war's end, Madagascar ceded Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) on the northern coast to France and paid 560,000 francs to the heirs of Joseph-Franois Lambert. In 1890, the British accepted the full formal imposition of a French protectorate.


In 1895, a French flying column landed in Mahajanga (Majunga) and marched to the capital, Antananarivo, where the city's defenders quickly surrendered. Twenty French soldiers died fighting and 6,000 died of malaria and other diseases before the second Franco-Hova War ended.


After the conclusion of hostilities, in 1896 France annexed Madagascar. The 103-year-old Merina monarchy ended with the royal family being sent into exile in Algeria.


During World War II, Malagasy troops fought in France, Morocco, and Syria. Some leaders in Nazi Germany proposed deporting all of Europe's Jews to Madagascar (the Madagascar Plan), but nothing came of this. After France fell to Germany, the Vichy government administered Madagascar. During the Battle of Madagascar, British troops occupied the island in 1942 to preclude its seizure by the Japanese, after which the Free French took over.


In 1947, with French prestige at low ebb, the Malagasy Uprising broke out. It was suppressed after over a year of bitter fighting, with 8,000 to 90,000 people killed. The French later established reformed institutions in 1956 under the Loi Cadre (Overseas Reform Act), and Madagascar moved peacefully towards independence. The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on October 14, 1958, as an autonomous state within the French Community. A period of provisional government ended with the adoption of a constitution in 1959 and full independence on June 26, 1960. In 2006 the country experienced an attempted coup.


Politics


Main articles: Government of Madagascar and Politics of Madagascar


Although the present head of State has self-proclaimed himself, Madagascar is usually a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Madagascar is head of government, and of a pluriform[disambiguation needed] multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Senate and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.


The political situation in Madagascar has been marked by struggle for control. After Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, assassinations, military coups and disputed elections featured prominently.


Didier Ratsiraka took power in a military coup in 1975 and ruled until 2001, with a short break when he was ousted in the early 1990s. When Marc Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka both claimed victory after presidential elections in December 2001, Ratsiraka's supporters tried to blockade the capital, Antananarivo, which was pro-Ravalomanana. After eight months of sporadic violence with considerable economic disruption, a recount in April 2002 led the High Constitutional Court to pronounce Ravalomanana president, but it was not until July that Ratsiraka fled to France and Ravalomanana gained control of the country.


Internal conflict in Madagascar had been minimal in the years that followed and since 2002, Ravalomanana and his party, Tiako-I-Madagasikara (TIM), have dominated political life. In an attempt to restrict the power and influence of the president, the prime minister and the 150-seat parliament have been given greater power in recent years.


Tension since was generally associated with elections. A presidential election took place in December 2006 with some protests over worsening standards of living, despite a government drive to eradicate poverty. Calls by a retired army general in November 2006 for Ravalomanana to step down were said to have been 'misinterpreted' as a coup attempt.


2009 Malagasy protests


Main article: 2009 Malagasy protests


The latest, and ongoing, spate of violence pitted then-President Marc Ravalomanana against Andry Rajoelina, former mayor of the capital, Antananarivo. Since the power tussle started on 26 January, more than 170 people were killed. Rajoelina mobilized his supporters to take to the streets of Antananarivo to demand Ravalomanana's ousting on the grounds of his alleged "autocratic" style of government.


Ravalomanana's resignation


After losing support of the military and under intense pressure from Rajoelina, President Ravalomanana resigned on 17 March 2009. Ravalomanana assigned his powers to a military council loyal to himself headed by Vice-Admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson. The military called the move by Ravalomanana a "ploy" and said that it would support Rajoelina as leader. Rajoelina had already declared himself the new leader a month earlier and has since assumed the role of acting President. He has appointed Monja Roindefo as Prime Minister. Rajoelina announced that elections would be held in two years and that the constitution would be amended.


The European Union, amongst other international entities, has refused to recognize the new government, due to it being installed by force. The African Union, which proceeded to suspend Madagascar's membership on 20 March and the Southern Africa Development Community both criticized the forced resignation of Ravalomanana. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson said he is "gravely concerned about the evolving developments in Madagascar".


Provinces and regions


Main articles: Provinces of Madagascar and Regions of Madagascar


Madagascar is currently divided into six autonomous provinces (faritany mizakatena), and subdivided into 22 regions (faritra), the latter created in 2004. The regions will be the highest subdivision level when the provinces are dissolved in accordance with the results of the 4 April 2007 referendum, which means by 4 October 2009.


Antananarivo (1)


Analamanga


Bongolava


Itasy


Vakinankaratra


Antsiranana (2)


Diana


Sava


Fianarantsoa (3)


Amoron'i Mania


Atsimo-Atsinanana


Haute-Matsiatra


Ihorombe


Vatovavy-Fitovinany


Mahajanga (4)


Betsiboka


Boeny


Melaky


Sofia


Toamasina (5)


Alaotra Mangoro


Analanjirofo


Atsinanana


Toliara (6)


Androy


Anosy


Atsimo-Andrefana


Menabe


The regions are further subdivided into 116 districts, 1,548 communes, and 16,969 fokontany. The major cities have a special status as "commune urbaine", at the same level as the districts.


Geography


Main article: Geography of Madagascar


Isalo National Park


At 587,000 square kilometres (227,000 sq mi), Madagascar is the world's 46th-largest country and the fourth largest island. It is slightly bigger than France, and is one of 11 distinct physiographic provinces of the South African Platform physiographic division.


Towards the east, a steep escarpment leads from the central highlands down into a ribbon of rain forest with a narrow coastal further east. The Canal des Pangalanes is a chain of natural and man-made lakes connected by canals that runs parallel to the east coast for some 460 km (286 mi) (about two-thirds of the island). The descent from the central highlands toward the west is more gradual, with remnants of deciduous forest and savanna-like plains (which in the south and southwest, are quite dry and host spiny desert and baobabs). On the west coast are many protected harbours, but silting is a major problem caused by sediment from the high levels of erosion inland.


Along the crest of this ridge lie the central highlands, a plateau region ranging in altitude from 2,450 to 4,400 ft (747 to 1,341 m) above sea level. The central highlands are characterised by terraced, rice-growing valleys lying between barren hills. Here, the red laterite soil that covers much of the island has been exposed by erosion, showing clearly why the country is often referred to as the "Red Island".


The island's highest peak, Maromokotro, at 2,876 metres (9,440 ft), is found in the Tsaratanana Massif, located in the far north of the country. The Ankaratra Massif is in the central area south of the capital Antananarivo and hosts the third highest mountain on the island, Tsiafajavona, with an altitude of 2,642 metres (8,670 ft). Further south is the Andringitra massif which has several peaks over 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) including the second and fourth highest peaks, Pic Imarivolanitra, more widely known as Pic Boby (2,658 metres/8,720 feet), and Pic Bory (2,630 metres/8,600 feet). Other peaks in the massif include Pic Soaindra (2,620 metres/8,600 feet) and Pic Ivangomena (2,556 metres/8,390 feet). This massif also contains the Andringitra Reserve. On very rare occasions, this region experiences snow in winter due to its high altitude.


There are two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, dry season from May to October. South-eastern trade winds predominate, and the island occasionally experiences cyclones.


Ecology


Main articles: Fauna of Madagascar, Ecoregions of Madagascar, and Agroecology in Madagascar


Tsingy in Madagascar


Madagascar's long isolation from the neighboring continents has resulted in a unique mix of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world; some ecologists refer to Madagascar as the "eighth continent". Of the 10,000 plants native to Madagascar, 90% are found nowhere else in the world. Madagascar's varied fauna and flora are endangered by human activity, as a third of its native vegetation has disappeared since the 1970s, and only 18% remains intact. Since the arrival of humans 2000 years ago, Madagascar has lost more than 90% of its original forest. The elephant birds, which were giant ratites native to Madagascar, have been extinct since at least the 17th century. Aepyornis was the world's largest bird, believed to have been over 3 metres (10 ft) tall.


Most lemurs are listed as endangered or threatened species. Many species have gone extinct in the last centuries, mainly due to habitat destruction and hunting.


The eastern, or windward side of the island is home to tropical rainforests, while the western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands, are home to tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and deserts and xeric shrublands. Madagascar's dry deciduous rain forest has been preserved generally better than the eastern rainforests or the high central plateau, presumably due to historically low population densities. Madagascar has several national parks.


The Indri is 1 of 99 recognized species and subspecies of lemur found only in Madagascar.


Extensive deforestation has taken place in parts of the country, some due to mining operations. Slash-and-burn activity, locally called tavy, has occurred in the eastern and western dry forests as well as on the central high plateau, reducing certain forest habitat and applying pressure to some endangered species. Slash-and-burn is a method sometimes used by shifting cultivators to create short-term yields from marginal soils. When practiced repeatedly without intervening fallow periods, the nutrient-poor soils may be exhausted or eroded to an unproductive state. The resulting increased surface runoff from burned lands has caused significant erosion and resulting high sedimentation to western rivers.


As a part of conservation efforts, the Wildlife Conservation Society has recently opened a Madagascar! exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. The New York Academy of Sciences recently published a Podcast about the Madagascar! exhibit, which details the fauna and flora of Madagascar and what types of projects the WCS is involved with in the country. The Podcast can be listened to here


Madagascar is represented in the FIPS 10-4 geographical encoding standard by the symbol MA.


Economy


Main article: Economy of Madagascar


Antananarivo is the political and economic capital of Madagascar


Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy. Major exports are coffee, vanilla (Madagascar is the world's largest producer and exporter of vanilla), sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts and livestock products. Vanilla has historically been of particular importance, and when in 1985 Coca-cola switched to New Coke which involved less vanilla, Madagascar's economy took a marked downturn, but returned to previous levels after the return of Coke Classic.


Structural reforms began in the late 1980s, initially under pressure from international financial institutions, notably the World Bank. An initial privatization program (19881993) and the development of an export processing zone (EPZ) regime in the early 1990s were key milestones in this effort. A period of significant stagnation from 1991 to 1996 was followed by five years of solid economic growth and accelerating foreign investment, driven by a second wave of privatizations[citation needed] and EPZ development. Although structural reforms advanced, governance remained weak and perceived corruption in Madagascar was extremely high. During the period of solid growth from 1997 to 2001, poverty levels remained stubbornly high, especially in rural areas. A six-month political crisis triggered by a dispute over the outcome of the presidential elections held in December 2001 virtually halted economic activity in much of the country in the first half of 2002. Real GDP dropped 12.7% for the year 2002, inflows of foreign investment dropped sharply, and the crisis tarnished Madagascar's budding reputation as an AGOA standout and a promising place to invest. After the crisis, the economy rebounded with GDP growth of over 10% in 2003. Currency depreciation and rising inflation in 2004 have hampered economic performance, but growth for the year reached 5.3%, with inflation reaching around 25% at the end of the year. In 2005 inflation was brought under control by tight monetary policy of raising the Taux Directeur (central bank rate) to 16% and tightening reserve requirements for banks. Thus growth was expected to reach around 6.5% in 2005.


Following the 2002 political crisis, the government attempted to set a new course and build confidence, in coordination with international financial institutions and donors. Madagascar developed a recovery plan in collaboration with the private sector and donors and presented it at a "Friends of Madagascar" conference organized by the World Bank in Paris in July 2002. Donor countries demonstrated their confidence in the new government by pledging $1 billion in assistance over five years. The Malagasy Government identified road infrastructure as its principle priority and underlined its commitment to public-private partnership by establishing a joint public-private sector steering committee.


Rice paddies in Madagascar


In 2000, Madagascar embarked on the preparation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The boards of the IMF and World Bank agreed in December 2000 that the country had reached the decision point for debt relief under the HIPC Initiative and defined a set of conditions for Madagascar to reach the completion point. In October 2004, the boards of the IMF and the World Bank determined that Madagascar had reached the completion point under the enhanced HIPC Initiative.


The Madagascar-U.S. Business Council was formed as a collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Malagasian artisan producers in Madagascar in 2002. The U.S.-Madagascar Business Council was formed in the United States in May 2003, and the two organisations continue to explore ways to work for the benefit of both groups.


The government of President Ravalomanana is aggressively seeking foreign investment and is tackling many of the obstacles to such investment, including combating corruption, reforming land-ownership laws, encouraging study of American and European business techniques, and active pursuit of foreign investors. President Ravalomanana rose to prominence through his agro-foods TIKO company, and is known for attempting to apply many of the lessons learned in the world of business to running the government. Some recent concerns have arisen about the conflict of interest between his policies and the activities of his firms. Most notable among them the preferential treatment for rice imports initiated by the government in late 2004 when responding to a production shortfall in the country.


Madagascar's sources of growth are tourism; textile and light manufacturing exports (notably through the EPZs); agricultural products; and mining. Madagascar is the world's leading producer of vanilla and accounts for about half the world's export market. Tourism targets the niche eco-tourism market, capitalizing on Madagascar's unique biodiversity, unspoiled natural habitats, national parks and lemur species. Exports from the EPZs, located around Antananarivo and Antsirabe, comprise the majority of garment manufacture, targeting the US market under AGOA and the European markets under the Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement. Agricultural exports consist of low-volume high-value products like vanilla, litchies and essential oils. A small but growing part of the economy is based on mining of ilmenite, with investments emerging in recent years, particularly near Tulear and Fort Dauphin. Mining corporation Rio Tinto Group expects to begin operations near Fort Dauphin in 2008, following several years of infrastructure preparation. The mining project is highly controversial, with Friends of the Earth and other environmental organizations filing reports to detail their concerns about effects on the local environment and communities.


Autoclave enters Madagascar, 2008, as part of new mining operation


Several major projects are underway in the mining and oil and gas sectors that, if successful, will give a significant boost to the Malagasy economy.


In the mining sector, these include the development of coal at Sakoa and nickel near Tamatave. In oil, Madagascar Oil is developing the massive onshore heavy oil field at Tsimiroro and ultra heavy oil field at Bemolanga.


Foreign relations


Main article: Foreign relations of Madagascar


Madagascar was historically perceived as being on the margin of mainstream African affairs despite being a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963. President Albert Zafy, taking office in 1993, expressed his desire for diplomatic relations with all countries. Early in his tenure, he established formal ties with South Korea and sent emissaries to Morocco.


Starting in 1997, globalisation encouraged the government and President Ratsiraka to adhere to market-oriented policies and to engage world markets. External relations reflect this trend, although Madagascar's physical isolation and strong traditional insular orientation have limited its activity in regional economic organizations and relations with its East African neighbours. It enjoys closer and generally good relations with its Indian Ocean neighbours Mauritius, Runion and Comoros. Active relationships with Europe, especially France, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as with Britain, Russia, Japan, India and China have been strong since independence. More recently, President Ravalomanana has cultivated strong links with the United States, and Madagascar was the first country to benefit from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). Madagascar is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).


The OAU dissolved in 2002 and was replaced by the African Union. Madagascar was not permitted to attend the first African Union summit due to the dispute over the results of the election in December 2001, but rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus triggered by the 2002 political crisis. However, Madagascar was suspended again by the African Union in March 2009 due to the ongoing political crisis.


During his presidency, Marc Ravalomanana traveled widely promoting Madagascar abroad and consciously sought to strengthen relations with Anglophone countries as a means of balancing traditionally strong French influence. He also cultivated strong ties with China during his tenure.


In November 2004, after an absence of almost 30 years, Madagascar re-opened its embassy in London. On 15 December 2004 the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, announced the closure of the British embassy in Antananarivo to save 250,000 a year. He also announced an end to the government's aid to Madagascar, the DFID-funded Small Grants Scheme. The embassy closed in August 2005 despite petitions and protests from African heads of state, a European commissioner, the Malagasy Senate, many British companies, 30 or so NGOs operating in Madagascar, and members of the public.[citation needed]


The British Embassy was previously closed (also for financial reasons) from 1975 to 1980. The Anglo-Malagasy Society are campaigning to have it re-opened.


Demographics


Main article: Demographics of Madagascar


Antananarivo, Madagascar


Madagascar's population is predominantly of mixed Austronesian (i.e.South-East Asian/Pacific Islander) and African origin. Those who are visibly Austronesian in appearance and culture are the minority, found mostly in the highland regions. Recent research suggests that the island was uninhabited until Austronesian seafarers arrived about 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. Recent DNA research shows that the Malagasy people are approximately of half Austronesian and half East African descent, although some Arab, Indian and European influence is present along the coast. Malagasy language shares some 90% of its basic vocabulary with the Ma'anyan language from the region of the Barito River in southern Borneo.


Subsequent migrations from the East Indies and Africa consolidated this original mixture, and 36 separate tribal groups emerged. Austronesian features are most predominant in the Merina (3 million) ; the coastal people (called ctiers) are of more clearly African origin. The largest coastal groups are the Betsimisaraka (1.5 million) and the Tsimihety and Sakalava (700,000 each). The Vezo live in the southwest. Two of the southern tribes are the Antandroy and the Antanosy. Other tribes include Tankarana (northern tip), Sihanaka and Bezanozano (east), Tanala (south-east), An-Taimoro, Tambahoaka, Zafisoro, An-Taisaka and Timanambondro (south-east coast), and Mahafaly and Bara (south-west). Chinese and Indian minorities also exist, as well as Europeans, mostly French. The number of Comorans residing in Madagascar was drastically reduced after anti-Comoran rioting in Mahajanga in 1976.


During the French colonial administration (18951960) and some time after independence, people were officially classified in ethnic groups. This practice was abandoned in the first census (1975) after independence, so any recent classification and figures for ethnic groups is an unofficial estimate. There is for instance no mention of ethnicity or religion in the national identity cards. Also, territorial divisions (provinces, regions) do not follow any ethnic division lines, despite an attempt by the colonial administration in the early 20th century. Ethnic divisions continue, and may cause violence, but their role is limited in today's society. Ethnic tensions in Madagascar often produce violent conflict between the Merina highlanders and coastal peoples. Regional political parties are also rare, although some parties receive most of their support in certain areas.


Only two general censuses, 1975 and 1993, have been carried out after independence.


In 1993 (last census) there were 18,497 foreign residents on Madagascar, or 0.15% of the population.


Health


The fertility rate is at about 5 children per woman. There are about 29 physicians per 100,000 persons. Infant mortality was at 74 per 1,000 live births in 2005. Life expectancy at birth was at 58.4 in the early 21st century. Expenditure on health was 29 US$ (PPP) in 2004.


Language


Main article: Languages of Madagascar


The Malagasy language is of Malayo-Polynesian origin and is generally spoken throughout the island. Madagascar is a francophone country, and French is spoken among the educated population of this former French colony. English, although still rare, is becoming more widely spoken, and in 2003, the government began a pilot project of introducing the teaching of English into the primary grades of 44 schools, with hopes of taking the project nationwide. Many Peace Corps volunteers are serving to further this effort and train teachers.


In the first Constitution of 1958, Malagasy and French were named the official languages of the Malagasy Republic.


No official languages were recorded in the Constitution of 1992. Instead, Malagasy was named the national language; however, many sources still claimed that Malagasy and French were official languages, as they were de facto. In April 2000, a citizen brought a legal case on the grounds that the publication of official documents in the French language only was unconstitutional. The High Constitutional Court observed in its decision that, in the absence of a language law, French still had the character of an official language.


In the Constitution of 2007, Malagasy remains the national language while official languages are reintroduced: Malagasy, French, and English. The motivation for the inclusion of English is partly to improve relations with the neighbouring countries where English is used and to encourage foreign direct investment.


Culture


Main article: Culture of Madagascar


Malagasy culture reflects a blend of Southeast Asian, Arab, African and European influences. Houses in Madagascar are typically four-sided with a peaked roof, in a style commonly seen in Southeast Asia, rather than the circular style of hut construction more commonly found in Eastern Africa. Rice forms the basis of every meal in most parts of the country as in Asia. The dishes prepared to accompany the rice vary depending on local availability of food products and are known as laoka.


Arab influence


Arab immigrants were few in number compared to the Indonesians and Bantus, but they left a lasting impression. The Malagasy names for seasons, months, days, and coins are Arabic in origin, as is the practice of circumcision, the communal grain pool, and different forms of salutation. The Arab magicians, known as the ombiasy, established themselves in the courts of many Malagasy tribal kingdoms. Arab immigrants imposed the patriarchal system of family and clan rule on Madagascar. Previous to the Arabs, the Malagasies practiced the Polynesian matriarchal system whereby rights of privilege and property are conferred equally on men and women.


Education


A significant proportion of the adult population are illiterate. The female youth literacy rate is below the male youth literacy rate. Public expenditure on education was at 16.4 % of total government expenditure in the 2000-2007 period. Public current expenditure on primary education per pupil is at about US$ 57 (PPP). Madagascar has several universities.


Cuisine


Main article: Cuisine of Madagascar


Music


Main article: Music of Madagascar


Madagascar has a distinctive and rich musical heritage. The early Austronesian settlers brought with them the predecessor to the bamboo tube zither known as the valiha as well as other instruments that would form the basis for traditional Malagasy music. The influence of Africans is evident in certain drumming and polyharmonic singing styles, while the tendency toward minor chords along the coasts reflects an Arab musical influence. European pirates likewise contributed to Malagasy musical traditions, importing the guitar, accordion, piano and the instruments used in hiragasy performance including the violin, trumpet and clarinet.


Mythology


Main article: Malagasy mythology


The country has a rich oratory tradition in the form of hainteny, kabary and ohabolana. An epic poem, the Ibonia, has been handed down over the centuries in several different forms across the island and showcases the lively and highly developed oral traditions of Madagascar.


Hainteny


Main article: hainteny


The zebu, or humped cattle, occupies an important place in traditional Malagasy culture. The animal can take on sacred importance and constitutes the wealth of the owner, a tradition originating on the African mainland. Cattle rustling, originally a rite of passage for young men in the plains areas of Madagascar where the largest herds of cattle are kept, has become a dangerous and sometimes deadly criminal enterprise as herdsmen in the Southwest attempt to defend their cattle with traditional spears against increasingly armed professional rustlers. Where African influences are strongest, as in the Southern region around Tulear, wealth and social status are measured in cattle, and the zebu can outnumber the inhabitants by two or three to one. Zebu are a popular motif on aloalo, the carved wooden poles that decorate tombs among some tribes in the southwestern part of the country.


Andrianampoinimerina (circa 17451810) united the Merina kingdom, moving his capital from Ambohimanga to Antananarivo and building his royal palace, or rova, on a strategic location on the highest hilltop overlooking the city. A number of cultural traditions, including the kabary and the hiragasy, were popularized during the period of his administration.


Religion


Main article: Religion in Madagascar


Traditional religion


Main article: Malagasy mythology


Approximately 50% of the country's population practice traditional religion, which tends to emphasize links between the living and the dead. The Merina in the highlands particularly tend to hold tightly to this practice. They believe that the dead join their ancestors in the ranks of divinity and that ancestors are intensely concerned with the fate of their living descendants. The Merina and Betsileo reburial practice of famadihana, or "turning over the dead", celebrates this spiritual communion. In this ritual, relatives' remains are removed from the family tomb, rewrapped in new silk shrouds, and returned to the tomb following festive ceremonies in their honor where sometimes the bodies are lifted and carried high above the celebrants heads with singing and dancing before returning them to the tomb.


Traditionally, the Malagasy hold their ancestors in high esteem and many believe they continue to intervene in events on Earth after their death. A powerful individual may establish a fady (taboo) in his or her lifetime that all their descendents or those of community members will be required to respect well after their death, meaning that when traveling in Madagascar it is advisable to seek out village elders or authorities and inquire into local fady in order not to inadvertently transgress and offend the local population. This veneration of ancestors has also lead to the tradition of tomb building and the famadihana, a practice whereby a deceased family member's remains may be taken from the tomb to be periodically re-wrapped in fresh silk shrouds before being replaced in the tomb. The event is an occasion to celebrate the loved one's memory, reunite with family and community, and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Residents of surrounding villages are often invited to attend the party, where food and rum are often served and a hiragasy troupe or other musical entertainment is typically present.


Christianity


Main article: Roman Catholicism in Madagascar


See also: Ranavalona I#Christian persecution


Roman Catholic cathedral in Antsirabe.


Today about 45% of the Malagasy are Christian, divided almost evenly between Catholics and Protestants. Many incorporate the cult of the dead with their other religious beliefs and bless their dead at church before proceeding with the traditional burial rites. They also may invite a Christian minister to attend a famadihana. Many of the Christian churches are influential in politics. The best example of this is the Malagasy Council of Churches (FFKM) comprising the four oldest and most prominent Christian denominations(Roman Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar, Lutheran, and Anglican). In the 19th century under Queen Ranavalona I, there was infamous persecution and mass extermination of Christians.


Islam


Main article: Islam in Madagascar


Islam in Madagascar constitutes about 7% of the population. The Arab and Somali Muslim traders who first brought Islam in the Middle Ages had a deep influence on the west coast. For example, many Malagasy converted to Islam and the Malagasy language was, for the first time, transcribed into an alphabet, based on the Arabic alphabet, called Sorabe. Muslims are concentrated in the provinces of Mahajanga and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). Muslims are divided between those of Malagasy ethnicity, Indians, Pakistanis and Comorians.


Hinduism


Main article: Hinduism in Madagascar


Hinduism in Madagascar began with Gujarati from the Saurashtra region of India as far back as 1900, when Madagascar was a French colony. Most Hindus in Madagascar speak Gujarati or Hindi.


International rankings


Organization


Survey


Ranking


Institute for Economics and Peace


Global Peace Index


72 out of 144


United Nations Development Programme


Human Development Index


145 out of 182


Transparency International


Corruption Perceptions Index


99 out of 180


World Economic Forum


Global Competitiveness Report


121 out of 133


See also


Main articles: Outline of Madagascar and Index of Madagascar-related articles


Military of Madagascar


Transport in Madagascar


Communications in Madagascar


Malagasy diplomatic missions


Firaisan'ny Skotisma eto Madagasikara


References


^ "Malagasy" is the correct form in English; Embassy of Madagascar, Washington D.C. "Madagascan" is used only for the island, not its people National Geographic Style Manual


^ Central Intelligence Agency (2009). "Madagascar". The World Factbook. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ma.html. Retrieved January 9, 2010. 


^ a b c d "Madagascar". International Monetary Fund. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2009&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=674&s=NGDPD,NGDPDPC,PPPGDP,PPPPC,LP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=54&pr.y=18. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 


^ Human Development Indices, Table 3: Human and income poverty, p. 35. Retrieved on 1 June 2009


^ BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Giant palm tree puzzles botanists


^ Malagasy languages, Encyclopdia Britannica


^ Migration from Kalimantan to Madagascar by O. C. Dahl


^ Archaeology, Language, and the African Past by Roger Blench


^ The African diaspora in the Indian Ocean By Shihan de S. Jayasuriya, Richard Pankhurst pg 82


^ "Background Note: Madagascar". U.S. Department of State. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5460.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-12. 


^ Cities of the Middle East and North Africa By Michael Dumper, Bruce E. Stanley, Janet L. Abu-Lughod pg 391


^ Kingdoms of Madagascar: Maroserana and Merina


^  "Madagascar". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. 1913. http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/Madagascar. 


^ Vincent, Rose (1990). The French in India: From Diamond Traders to Sanskrit Scholars. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 0-8613-2259-2. 


^ From MADAGASCAR to the MALAGASY REPUBLIC, by Raymond K. Kent pg 6571


^ Madagascar: An Historical and Descriptive Account of the Island and Its Former Dependencies by Samuel Pasfield Oliver., p. 6. (excerpted in Google Book Search)


^ Ranavalona I (Merina queen). Britannica Online Encyclopedia.


^ Keith Laidler. Female Caligula. Ranavalona, the Mad Queen of Madagascar. Wiley (2005) ISNB -13 978-0-470-02223-8 (HB). 


^ (French) 1947 L'insurrection Madagascar - Jean Fremigacci - Marianne[dead link]


^ a b IRIN Africa | Southern Africa | Madagascar | MADAGASCAR: 'Violence could escalate' | Governance Conflict | News Item


^ IRIN Africa | Southern Africa | Madagascar | MADAGASCAR: Former president sentenced to five years in prison | Governance | News Item


^ IRIN Africa | Southern Africa | Madagascar | MADAGASCAR: Hoping for fair, transparent, uncontroversial elections | Economy Governance Other | Feature


^ IRIN Africa | Southern Africa | Madagascar | MADAGASCAR: Appeal launched despite political uncertainty | Children Economy Food Security Governance Health & Nutrition Conflict ...


^ a b Corbett, Christina; McGreal, Chris (18 March 2009). "Madagascar's president resigns as rival claims power". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/18/madagascar-marc-ravalomanana. 


^ a b c "Military backs Madagascar rival". BBC News. 17 March 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7949596.stm. 


^ "Madagascan opposition takes over prime minister's office". Xinhua. 14 March 2009. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/14/content_11011120.htm. 


^ "Madagascar President Resigns". Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-16-voa65.cfm. Retrieved 2009-03-17. 


^ African Union suspends Madagascar over 'coup' - Africa, World - The Independent


^ (UPDATE) Army puts Madagascar opposition leader in charge | Home >> Other Sections >> Breaking News


^ The Eighth Continent: Life, Death, and Discovery in the Lost World of Madagascar


^ a b "Science News: New Genus of Self-destructive Palm found in Madagascar". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.kew.org/scihort/news/new_palm_genus.html. Retrieved 2008-01-30. 


^ Terrestrial Ecoregions -- Madagascar subhumid forests (AT0118), National Geographic.


^ Davies, S. J. J. F. (2003)


^ Lemurs Hunted, Eaten Amid Civil Unrest, Group Says. National Geographic News. August 21, 2009.


^ Science & the City | Public Gateway to the New York Academy of Sciences


^ "Independent States in the World". United States Department of State. 2008-03-20. http://www.state.gov/s/inr/rls/4250.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-24. 


^ Madagascar - Country Facts- Goway Travel Experiences


^ "Made in Madagascar: Exporting Handicrafts to the U.S. Market: a Project with the UN Public-Private Alliance for Rural Development; Final Report", A Project with the UN Public-Private Alliance for Rural Development.


^ Madagascar - Mining: Heavy Minerals Mining


^ Rio Tinto's Madagascar mining project


^ "Africa rejects Madagascar 'coup'" bbc.co.uk 20 March 2009 Link accessed 20 March 2009


^ U.S. Library of Congress,"Madagascar - Minorities"


^ L'ethnicisation des rapports sociaux Madagascar


^ "Ethnic strife rocks Madagascar". BBC News. May 14, 2002.


^ a b c d e f g http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/data_sheets/cty_ds_MDG.html


^ "Le malgache et le franais sont les langues officielles de la Rpublique Malgache." Constitution, Titre I, Art. 2; Constitutional Law 14 October 1958.


^ Haute Cour Constitutionnelle De Madagascar, Dcision n03-HCC/D2 Du 12 avril 2000


^ Madagascar adopts English as official language, ClickAfrique.com, 10 April 2007.


^ a b http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/madagascar_statistics.html


^ Madagascar and Africa III. The Anteimoro: A Theocracy in Southeastern Madagascar, by R. K. Kent The Journal of African History 1969 pg 62


^ "Vision of Humanity". Vision of Humanity. http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi/home.php. Retrieved 2010-02-04. 


External links


Find more about Madagascar on Wikipedia's sister projects:


Definitions from Wiktionary


Textbooks from Wikibooks


Quotations from Wikiquote


Source texts from Wikisource


Images and media from Commons


News stories from Wikinews


Learning resources from Wikiversity


Government


The Madagascar Government


National Assembly of Madagascar


Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar


Embassies and Consulates


Canada Hungary Washington DC


Chief of State and Cabinet Members, from CIA


General information


Country Profile from BBC News


Madagascar entry at The World Factbook


Madagascar from UCB Libraries GovPubs


Madagascar at the Open Directory Project


Wikimedia Atlas of Madagascar


Madagascar travel guide from Wikitravel


News media


Madagascar Humanitarian news and analysis from IRIN United Nations


Madagascar news headline links from allAfrica.com


Ecology


Madagascar's National Parks and Reserves official park website


Conservation International Madagascar overview pages


Madagascar Wildlife Conservation MWC is a Malagasy non-profit association, which organises and pursues community-based conservations projects


New York Academy of Sciences Conserving Madagascar Podcast by Helen Crowley


Madagascar conservation story


Journal Madagascar Conservation & Development


Miscellaneous


The Madagascar Project, Project set up to help Malagasy communities tackle the causes and effects of poverty


Old maps of Madagascar by CEGET library (CNRS, France)


Azafady UK charity and Malagasy NGO working in southeast Madagascar to alleviate poverty, improve well-being and protect beautiful unique environments with the help of its award winning volunteering programmes.


Shama Foundation of Madagascar charitable organization providing scholarships for underprivileged students in Madagascar


Opinions of La Haute Cour Constitutionelle du Madagascar


Blue Ventures award winning not-for-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating projects and expeditions that enhance global marine conservation and research. Based in Andavadoaka, South West coast of Madagascar.


Foko-madagascar not-for-profit organization and Rising Voices grantee project dedicated to the use of ICT as a tool to promote sustainable development, especially combining human development and the protection of the environment.


WildMadagascar.org Overview, news, photos, cultural history. English and French


Madagascar Photos Madagascar


The Palmarium reserve, is situated on the East coast of Madagascar.


Keelonga, keelonga is an organisation dedicated to assisting rural primary schools with infrastructures and teachers


 


Articles Related to Madagascar


 


 Geographic locale


Lat. and Long. 1855 4731 / 18.917S 47.517E / -18.917; 47.517 (Antananarivo)


v  d  e


Countries and territories of Africa


West Africa


Benin  Burkina Faso  Cape Verde  Cte d'Ivoire  The Gambia  Ghana  Guinea  Guinea-Bissau  Liberia  Mali  Mauritania  Niger  Nigeria  Senegal  Sierra Leone  Togo


North Africa


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Central Africa


Angola  Burundi  Cameroon  Central African Republic  Chad  Democratic Republic of the Congo  Republic of the Congo  Equatorial Guinea  Gabon  Rwanda  So Tom and Prncipe


East Africa


Burundi  Comoros  Djibouti  Eritrea  Ethiopia  Kenya  Madagascar  Malawi  Mauritius  Mozambique  Seychelles  Somalia  Tanzania  Uganda  Zambia  Zimbabwe


Southern Africa


Botswana  Lesotho  Namibia  South Africa  Swaziland


 States with


limited recognition


Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic  Somaliland


 Partially in Africa


France (Runion)  Italy (Pantelleria)  Portugal (Madeira)  Spain (Canary Islands / Ceuta / Melilla / Plazas de soberana)  Yemen (Socotra)


 Dependencies


Iles Eparses (France)  Mayotte (France)  Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (United Kingdom)


 Disputed areas


Western Sahara


v  d  e


Countries and territories bordering the Indian Ocean


Africa


Comoros  Djibouti  Egypt  Eritrea  Kenya  Madagascar  Mauritius  Mayotte  Mozambique  Runion  Seychelles  Somalia  South Africa  Sudan  Tanzania


Asia


Bahrain  Bangladesh  Burma  Christmas Island  Cocos (Keeling) Islands  India  Indonesia  Iran  Iraq  Israel  Jordan  Kuwait  Malaysia  Maldives  Oman  Pakistan  Qatar  Saudi Arabia  Sri Lanka  Thailand  United Arab Emirates  Yemen


Oceania


Australia  Christmas Island  Cocos (Keeling) Islands


Islands


Bahrain  British Indian Ocean Territory  Christmas Island  Cocos (Keeling) Islands  Comoros  Madagascar  Maldives  Mauritius  Mayotte  Runion  Seychelles  Sri Lanka


 


International membership


v  d  e


Southern African Development Community (SADC)


Member states


Angola  Botswana  Democratic Republic of the Congo  Lesotho  Madagascar  Malawi  Mauritius  Mozambique  Namibia  South Africa  Swaziland  Tanzania  Zambia  Zimbabwe


Leaders


Chairpersons: Levy Mwanawasa  Kgalema Motlanthe


Secretaries-General: Kaire Mbuende  Prega Ramsamy  Tomaz Salomo


See also


Southern African Development Coordination Conference  Southern African Customs Union  Common Monetary Area  Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa


v  d  e


African Union (AU)


Algeria  Angola  Benin  Botswana  Burkina Faso  Burundi  Cameroon  Cape Verde  Central African Republic  Chad  Comoros  Democratic Republic of the Congo  Republic of the Congo  Cte d'Ivoire  Djibouti  Egypt  Eritrea  Ethiopia  Equatorial Guinea  Gabon  The Gambia  Ghana  Guinea  Guinea-Bissau  Kenya  Lesotho  Liberia  Libya  Madagascar  Malawi  Mali  Mauritania  Mauritius  Mozambique  Namibia  Niger  Nigeria  Rwanda  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic  So Tom and Prncipe  Senegal  Seychelles  Sierra Leone  Somalia  South Africa  Sudan  Swaziland  Tanzania  Togo  Tunisia  Uganda  Zambia  Zimbabwe


v  d  e


Portuguese Empire


North Africa 


15th century


14151640  Ceuta


14581550  Alccer Ceguer (El Qsar es Seghir)


14711550  Arzila (Asilah)


14711662  Tangier


14851550  Mazagan (El Jadida)


1487 middle 16th century  Ouadane


14881541  Safim (Safi)


16th century


15051769  Santa Cruz do Cabo de Gu (Agadir)


15061525  Mogador (Essaouira)


15061525  Aguz (Souira Guedima)


15061769  Mazagan (El Jadida)


15131541  Azamor (Azemmour)


15771589  Arzila (Asilah)


Sub-Saharan Africa 


15th century


14551633  Arguin


14701975  So Tom1


14741778  Annobn


14781778  Fernando Poo (Bioko)


14821637  Elmina (So Jorge da Mina)


14821642  Portuguese Gold Coast


14961550  Madagascar (part)


14981540  Mascarene Islands


16th century


15001630  Malindi


15001975  Prncipe1


15011975  Portuguese E. Africa (Mozambique)


15021659  St. Helena


15031698  Zanzibar


15051512  Quloa (Kilwa)


15061511  Socotra


15571578  Accra


15751975  Portuguese W. Africa (Angola)


15881974  Cacheu2


15931698  Mombassa (Mombasa)


17th century


16421975  Cape Verde


16451888  Ziguinchor


16801961  So Joo Baptista de Ajud


16871974  Bissau2


18th century


17281729  Mombassa (Mombasa)


17531975  So Tom and Prncipe


19th century


18791974  Portuguese Guinea


18851975  Portuguese Congo (Cabinda)


1 Part of So Tom and Prncipe from 1753.   2 Part of Portuguese Guinea from 1879.


Southwest Asia 


16th century


15061615  Gamru (Bandar-Abbas)


15071643  Sohar


15151622  Hormuz (Ormus)


15151648  Quriyat


1515?   Qalhat


15151650  Muscat


1515??   Barka


15151633? Julfar (Ras al-Khaimah)


15211602  Bahrain (Muharraq and Manama)


15211529?  Qatif


1521?1551? Tarut Island


15501551  Qatif


15881648  Matrah


17th century


1620?   Khor Fakkan


1621??   As Sib


16211622  Qeshm


1623?   Khasab


1623?   Libedia


1624?   Kalba


1624?   Madha


16241648  Dibba Al-Hisn


1624??   Bandar-e Kong


Indian subcontinent 


15th century


14981545  Laccadive Islands (Lakshadweep)


16th century


Portuguese India


   15001663  Cochim (Kochi)


   15021661  Quilon (Coulo/Kollam)


   15021663  Cannanore (Kannur)


   15071657  Negapatam (Nagapatnam)


   15101962  Goa


   15121525  Calicut (Kozhikode)


   15181619  Paliacate (Pulicat)


   15211740  Chaul


   15231662  Mylapore


   15281666  Chittagong


   15341601  Salsette Island


   15341661  Bombay (Mumbai)


   15351739  Baam (Vasai-Virar)


   15361662  Cranganore (Kodungallur)


   15401612  Surat


   15481658  Tuticorin (Thoothukudi)


   15591962  Daman and Diu


   15681659  Mangalore


   15791632  Hugli


   15981610  Masulipatnam (Machilipatnam)


15181521  Maldives


15181658  Portuguese Ceylon (Sri Lanka)


15581573  Maldives


17th century


Portuguese India


   16871749  Mylapore


18th century


Portuguese India


   17791954  Dadra and Nagar Haveli


East Asia and Oceania 


16th century


15111641  Portuguese Malacca


15121621  Banda Islands


15121621  Moluccas (Maluku Islands)


   15221575  Ternate


   15761605  Ambon


   15781650  Tidore


15121665  Makassar


15531999  Macau


15331545  Ningbo


15711639  Decima (Dejima, Nagasaki)


17th century


16421975  Portuguese Timor (East Timor)1


19th century


Macau


   18641999  Coloane


   18491999  Portas do Cerco


   18511999  Taipa


   18901999  Ilha Verde


20th century


Macau


   19381941  Lapa and Montanha (Hengqin)


1 1975 is the date of East Timor's Declaration of Independence and subsequent invasion by Indonesia. In 2002, the independence of East Timor was recognized by Portugal and the rest of the world.


North America and the North Atlantic Ocean 


15th century


1420           Madeira


1432           Azores


16th century


15001579?  Terra Nova (Newfoundland)


15001579?  Labrador


15161579?  Nova Scotia


Central and South America 


16th century


15001822  Brazil


15361620  Barbados


17th century


16801777  Nova Colnia do Sacramento


19th century


18081822  Cisplatina (Uruguay)


Portuguese colonization of the Americas


Theory of Portuguese discovery of Australia


 


Languages


v  d  e


Member states and observers of the Francophonie


Members


Albania  Andorra  Armenia  Belgium (French Community)  Benin  Bulgaria  Burkina Faso  Burundi  Cambodia  Cameroon  Canada (New Brunswick  Quebec)  Cape Verde  Central African Republic  Chad  Comoros  Cyprus1  Democratic Republic of the Congo  Republic of the Congo  Cte d'Ivoire  Djibouti  Dominica  Egypt  Equatorial Guinea  France (French Guiana  Guadeloupe  Martinique  St. Pierre and Miquelon)  Gabon  Ghana1  Greece  Guinea  Guinea-Bissau  Haiti  Laos  Luxembourg  Lebanon  Macedonia2  Madagascar  Mali  Mauritania  Mauritius  Moldova  Monaco  Morocco  Niger  Romania  Rwanda  St. Lucia  So Tom and Prncipe  Senegal  Seychelles  Switzerland  Togo  Tunisia  Vanuatu  Vietnam


Observers


Austria  Croatia  Czech Republic  Georgia  Hungary  Latvia  Lithuania  Mozambique  Poland  Serbia  Slovakia  Slovenia  Thailand  Ukraine


1 Associate member. 2 Provisionally referred to by the Francophonie as the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"; see Macedonia naming dispute.


v  d  e


Austronesian-speaking countries and territories


Formosan


Taiwan


Malayo-Polynesian


American Samoa  Brunei  Burma (Myanmar)  Cambodia  Christmas Island  Cocos (Keeling) Islands  Cook Islands  Easter Island  East Timor  Fiji  French Polynesia  Guam  Hainan  Indonesia  Kiribati  Madagascar  Malaysia  Marshall Islands  FS Micronesia  Nauru  New Caledonia  New Zealand  Niue  Northern Mariana Islands  Orchid Island  Palau  Papua New Guinea   Philippines  Samoa  Singapore  Solomon Islands  Sri Lanka  Suriname  Tokelau  Tonga  Tuvalu  United States (Hawaii)  Vanuatu  Vietnam  Wallis and Futuna


v  d  e


English-speaking world


Anglosphere


Dark blue: Countries and territories where English is spoken natively by a significant population.


Light blue: Countries where English is an official language but not widely spoken.


Click on the coloured regions to view the related article.


 


 


Regions where English is an official language and spoken by a significant population:


Africa


Nigeria  Mauritius  Saint Helena  South Africa


 Americas


Anguilla  Antigua and Barbuda  The Bahamas  Barbados  Belize  Bermuda  British Virgin Islands  Canada  Cayman Islands  Dominica  Falkland Islands  Grenada  Guyana  Jamaica  Montserrat  Netherlands Antilles (Saba, Saint Eustatius, Saint Maarten)   Saint Kitts and Nevis  Saint Lucia  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  Trinidad and Tobago  Turks and Caicos Islands  United States  United States Virgin Islands


Asia


Hong Kong  Philippines  Singapore


Europe


Gibraltar  Guernsey  Isle of Man  Jersey  Malta  Republic of Ireland  United Kingdom


Oceania


Australia  Marshall Islands  Federated States of Micronesia  Nauru  New Zealand  Palau


 


Regions where English is an official language but not widely spoken:


Africa


Botswana  Cameroon  Ghana  Kenya  Lesotho  Liberia  Madagascar  Malawi  Namibia  Rwanda  Sierra Leone  Sudan  Swaziland  Tanzania  Uganda  Zambia  Zimbabwe


Americas


Puerto Rico


Asia


India  Malaysia  Pakistan


   Oceania


Fiji  Papua New Guinea  Solomon Islands


English Wiktionary


Categories: Madagascar | African countries | African Union member states | Countries of the Indian Ocean | East Africa | French-speaking countries | Island countries | Islands of Africa | Islands of Madagascar | Least Developed Countries | Malay-speaking countries and territories | Member states of La Francophonie | Physiographic provinces | Southern Africa | States and territories established in 1960Hidden categories: All articles with dead external links | Articles with dead external links from April 2009 | Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages | Articles containing French language text | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from June 2008 | Articles with links needing disambiguation | Articles with unsourced statements from December 2007 | Articles with unsourced statements from August 2009
About the Author

I am an expert from China Crafts Suppliers, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as long leg braces , orthopedic suppliers.



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