Ambanja

Not to be confused with Ambanja District, the Malagasy district with similar name.
Ambanja
Ambanja

Location in Madagascar

Coordinates: 13°40′43″S 48°27′8″E / 13.67861°S 48.45222°E
Country  Madagascar
Region Diana
District Ambanja
Elevation[1] 27 m (89 ft)
Population (2001)[2]
 • Total 28,468
Time zone EAT (UTC3)

Ambanja [amˈbandzə̥] is a city and commune in northern Madagascar. According to 2001 census the population of Ambanja was 28,468.[2]

Geography

Ambanja is located on the northern berth of the Sambirano River and is crossed by the Route Nationale 6 (Antsiranana - Mahajanga and Antananarivo),.[3]

It is located at a road distance of 1 200 km north of Antananarivo and 237 km south-west of Antsiranana. The town belongs to the district of Ambanja, which is a part of Diana Region.

It is served by the local Ambanja Airport and small, local, maritime harbour at Ankify that is the gate to the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba.

Education

In addition to primary schooling the town offers secondary education at both junior and senior levels. The town has a permanent court and hospital.[2] There is a technical & professional Lycee in Ambanja, and a school of agriculture.

Religion

The town is seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ambanja.

Economy

The majority 60% of the population are farmers, while an additional 2% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crop is cocoa, while other important products are coffee, rice and vanilla. Industry and services provide employment for 26% and 2% of the population, respectively. Additionally fishing employs 10% of the population.[2]

Nature

References and notes

  1. ↑ Estimated based on DEM data from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "ILO census data". Cornell University. 2002. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
  3. ↑ Atlas Mondial, France Loisir, page 159

Coordinates: 13°40′43″S 48°27′08″E / 13.67861°S 48.45222°E