Vakinankaratra

Vakinankaratra is a region in central Madagascar. The capital of the region is Antsirabe. Vakinankaratra covers an area of 16,599 kilometres (10,314 miles), and had a population of 2,074,358 in 2018.[1]

Vakinankaratra Region
Region
Location in Madagascar
Country Madagascar
CapitalAntsirabe
Area
 • Total16,599 km2 (6,409 sq mi)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total2,074,358
 • Density120/km2 (320/sq mi)
 • Ethnicities
Merina
Time zoneUTC3 (EAT)
HDI (2018)0.531[2]
low · 8th of 22

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 District.

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 2018, Vakinankaratra had a population of 2,074,358 and an average density of 117.0 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.

Protected Area
  • Manjakatompo Ankaratra New Protected Area

Administrative divisions

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

Transport

Airport
  • Antsirabe Airport

Politics

Since 2009, after the beginning of the national political crisis, Paul Razanakolona has held the position of Chief of Region.[3] Previous region chiefs include Lantoniaina Nirina Harintsoa Rabenantoandro (2004-2008) and Étienne Randimbiharimanana (2008-2009).[4]

See also

References
  1. "Troisieme Recensement General de la Population et de L'Habitation (RGPH-3) Resultats Provisoires" (PDF). Institut National de la Statistique Madagascar. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  2. "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  3. Razanakolona, Paul. "Le mot du chef de région" (in French). Région Vakinankaratra. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  4. Cahoon, Ben. "Madagascar Provinces and Regions". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2012-05-01.

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