South America Capitals Quiz
Can you match South American countries with their capitals?
🇲🇬 Madagascar
Capital: Antananarivo
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Antananarivo, commonly called “Tana,” is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. It lies in the central highlands on a series of hills surrounded by rice-growing plains. The city developed as a royal center of the Merina kingdom and later became the administrative center of French colonial Madagascar. Today, it remains the country’s main center of government, commerce, higher education, and cultural institutions.
đź“ś Timeline of Antananarivo
c. 1610–1625: King Andrianjaka establishes a fortified royal settlement on Analamanga hill, the site from which Antananarivo develops.
Late 17th century: The settlement receives the name Antananarivo, commonly translated as “City of the Thousand,” in reference to the soldiers associated with its early royal defenses.
1895: French forces capture Antananarivo during the French conquest of Madagascar.
1896: Madagascar is formally annexed by France as a colony, with Antananarivo serving as its administrative capital.
1960: Madagascar gains independence from France, and Antananarivo remains the national capital.
Today: Antananarivo is Madagascar’s political and economic center and the seat of the national government.
đź“Š City Facts
Established
c. 1610–1625
Official Languages
Malagasy, French
Currency
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Geography
Central highlands of Madagascar
Time Zone
East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
Calling Code
+261
Driving Side
Right
🏛️ Notable Landmarks
Rova of Antananarivo
The historic royal compound on Analamanga hill was the seat of Merina rulers and remains one of the city’s best-known historic sites.
Andafiavaratra Palace
The former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony now serves as a museum and preserves objects connected with Madagascar’s royal history.
Lake Anosy
This artificial lake in central Antananarivo is recognizable for its heart-shaped outline and the Monument aux Morts on its small island.
Antananarivo’s role as Madagascar’s capital grew from its position as a Merina royal center in the central highlands. Its historic upper city, royal sites, administrative districts, and surrounding rice plains reflect the different periods that shaped the city.
