. . ![]() ![]()
|
![]() ![]() Madagascar Geography 2000 Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 47 00 E Map references: Africa Area:
Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Arizona Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 4,828 km Maritime claims:
Climate: tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south Terrain: narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center Elevation extremes:
Natural resources: graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower Land use:
Irrigated land: 10,870 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: periodic cyclones Environment - current issues: soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered Environment - international agreements:
Geography - note: world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel |
![]() |