Madagascar+History

History
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**Independence Day**:
June 26, 1960

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**Native People**
Originally, there were no human inhabitants of Madagascar. Around 2,500 years ago people from Indonesia began to immigrate there. The immigration trend continued for around 1,000 years with immigrants coming from Indonesia, Africa, Arabia, and the Persian Gulf. These people became known as the Malagasy and are now considered the native people of Madagascar

**A Brief History:**
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the British, Portuguese, Dutch and French all tried to settle Madagascar and make it a colony, but all of their attempts were unsuccessful. Madagascar became a hang out for pirates, who would mate with the Malagasy people. The Malagasy had three main kingdoms;Merina (which was in the central plateau), Sakalava (in the west), and Betsimisaraka (in the east).The first king of the country, who lived in Merina was King Andrianampoinimerina. He ruled from 1787 until 1810. King Andrianampoinimerina was succeeded by his son, who encouraged the European nations to help him spread his rule to control the entire island. The control of the island was constantly changing until just after World War II when the French gained control of Madagascar. In 1956 a rebellion arose, where the Malagasy people took control of the government but, in 1958, they voted to instate a French constitution. Finally, on June 26, 1960, Madagascar gained its complete independence from France and has been operating as its own nation ever since.

**Madagascar Today:**
In the past decade, Madagascar has encounter numerous political problems.In 2001, the winner of the presidential election was contested and half of the nation nearly succeeded in protest. This war continued until April of 2002 when the High Constitutional Court announced a winner and the country settled down again. The country elected this winner, Ravalomanana, to serve a second term in 2006; an election he won by a landslide. However, in 2009, there were many protests over growing oppression by Ravalmoanana, which caused him to step down during a 15-month transitional period; turning the presidency over to Andry Rajoelina.

**Multiple Choice Questions:**
A) There is evidence of native people, known as the Malagasy, living on Madagascar for over 5,000 years. B) People began to migrate to the country 2,500 years ago from Indonesia. C) The French discovered Madagascar in beginning of the 16th century and settled there.
 * 1) How did people come to live on Madagascar?**

A) An independent nation B) Controlled by the French C) Divided with half the country currently independent and the other half still under French regime.
 * 2) After many wars, Madagascar is currently**:

Highlight the number and the space next to it in order to view the correct answer.
 * Answers to multiple choice questions:**


 * 1)** B
 * 2)** A

**References:**
"Africa: Madagascar." //The World Factbook//. Central Intelligence Agency, 16 June 2011. Web. 5 Apr. 2011. <[]>.

"History - Madagascar - issues, growth, crops, system, power, policy." //Encyclopedia of the Nations - Information about countries of the world, United Nations, and World Leaders//. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2011. .