Vakinankaratra

Vakinankaratra Region
Region

Location in Madagascar
Country  Madagascar
Capital Antsirabe
Area[1]
 • Total 16,599 km2 (6,409 sq mi)
Population (2004)[1]
 • Total 1,589,800
 • Density 95.8/km2 (248/sq mi)
 • Ethnicities Merina
Time zone EAT (UTC3)

Vakinankaratra is a region in central Madagascar. The capital of the region is Antsirabe. Vakinankaratra had an estimated population of 1 589 800 in 2004.[1]

History

The kingdom of Vakinankaratra, known as the kingdom of the river Andrantsay, was founded at the beginning of the 17th century by Andrianony, a prince originally from Alasora, south of Antananarivo. The capital of the kingdom used to be Fivavahana in today's Betafo region.

The last ruler of the Kingdom of Andrantsay was Andriamanalinarivo who was on the throne when Imerina king Andrianampoinimerina conquered the area with the help of the young prince Radama at the beginning of the 19th century. The territory was integrated into the Merina Kingdom under the new name Vakinankaratra.

During the colonial period the centre of the region shifted to Antsirabe.

Population

Vakinankaratra is the second most populous region of Madagascar and it has the second highest population density, only beaten by Analamanga, where the national capital and biggest city, Antananarivo, is located. In 2004, Vakinankaratra had an estimated population of 1,589,800 and a density of 95.8 people per km².[1] The vast majority of the population belongs to the Merina ethnic group.

Geography

A polished slice of liddicoatite from Betafo. Photo Rob Lavinsky

Vakinankaratra is situated in the central highlands of Madagascar. The region covers an area of 16,599 km2 (6,409 sq mi), making it the third least extensive region in Madagascar. It borders the region of Bongolava in the northwest, Itasy in the north, Analamanga in the northeast, Alaotra Mangoro and Atsinanana in the east, Amoron'i Mania in the south, and Menabe to the west.

A number of precious minerals are found in Vakinankaratra, including Ferrocolumbite, Liddicoatite, and Londonite.

Administrative divisions

Vakinankaratra region is divided into seven districts, which are sub-divided into 86 communes.

Politics

Since 2009, after the beginning of the national political crisis, Paul Razanakolona has held the position of Chief of Region.[2] Previous region chiefs include Lantoniaina Nirina Harintsoa Rabenantoandro (2004-2008) and Étienne Randimbiharimanana (2008-2009).[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ralison, Eliane; Goossens, Frans. "Madagascar: Profil des marchés pour les évaluations d’urgence de la sécurité alimentaire" (PDF) (in French). Programme Alimentaire Mondial, Service de l’Evaluation des besoins d’urgence (ODAN). Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  2. ↑ Razanakolona, Paul. "Le mot du chef de région" (in French). Région Vakinankaratra. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  3. ↑ Cahoon, Ben. "Madagascar Provinces and Regions". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2012-05-01.

External links

Coordinates: 19°52′05″S 47°02′02″E / 19.868°S 47.034°E