June 26: Independence Day in Madagascar
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Madagascar.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
The island country of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean about 250 miles off the coast of Africa. The Malagasy people who live there have ethnic and linguistic ties to the people of southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. People may have first settled Madagascar many centuries ago by sailing across the Indian Ocean. Other settlers also immigrated to the island from Africa.
When European explorers started arriving in the 16th century, they found several independent people groups with their own leaders and a mix of Asian, African, and Arab influences. These groups did not always get along with each other. Pirates used the island as a base in the 17th and 18th centuries.
During the 19th century, local leaders alternately supported and resisted the influence of French and English traders and missionaries. The French government annexed the island as a colony in 1896 and used its military to subdue several independent groups over the next few years.
After World War II, Madagascar became an overseas territory of the French Republic. It gained increased autonomy, but some people wanted full independence. Philibert Tsiranana was a leader in the effort for Madagascar to obtain complete independence from France on June 26, 1960.
Madagascar has a population of nearly 30 million. About 75% are members of a Christian church. Malagasy and French are the official languages.
This postage stamp from Madagascar recognizes Philibert Tsiranana as the “Father of Independence.”
Photo by neftali / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Zaza Kanto (also known as the Underground Boys of Tana) is a group of children in Madagascar who started singing together. This video is from 2020.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
