Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ors have magic powers, regard those who are no longer alive as full members of the family.
Famadihanas
are an opportunity to communicate with ancestors. Families spend a great
deal of time and money on family reunions, and taxis-brousses (bush taxis) are often full
of individuals visiting relatives.
Malagasy homes are arranged according to astrological principles: the northeast corner
is the noble and auspicious part of the house; doors always face west. Many Malagasies
think that life on earth is tempor-ary, whereas life after death is permanent, so families will
favour lavish tombs and keep a modest house.
Marriage is a pretty relaxed institution and divorce is common. Children are seen as the
primary purpose of marriage, and essential to happiness and security. The idea that some
people might choose not to have children is greeted with disbelief.
Women
Household Facts
»Households with access to sanitation: 40%
»Households that have drinking water: 45%
»Children who go to primary school: 73%
»Students who carry on to university: 1%
WomenareadynamicforceinMalagasy society.Theyareveryactive intheworkplaceand
are represented at every echelon of society: from street vendor to politician, school teacher
to entrepreneur. Women are also regarded as the head of the domestic sphere, even if they
also go out to work.
Women tend to marry and have children young: 16 or younger is typical in rural areas,
20 is about average in urban areas, where women are more likely to go through secondary
and superior education. A woman will generally move to her husband's village. Polygamy
exists but is not commonplace.
Sexually, Malagasy society is fairly liberated; women can dress however they want, and
they can be quite forward with sexual advances to men, including foreigners. Prostitution
is rampant in a number of areas, and travellers should be aware that sex tourism is heavily
punished, particularly if minors are involved.
Economy
Most Malagasies bemoan the fact that their country, despite having so much going for it,
has failed to develop economically. The political instability and economic mismanagement
are to blame. Madagascar therefore remains one of the world's poorest countries. It ranked
151 out of 182 countries in the 2011 Human Development Index of the UN Development
