- Ole Jacobsen
InterNations offered an amazing possibility to find new expat friends outside the export business in Madagascar.
Living in Antananarivo
For expats living in Antananarivo to get a taste of the city, it’s essential to visit the Rova of Antananarivo; the royal palace complex that in the 17th and 18th centuries served as the home of the sovereigns of the kingdom of Imerina. Within this fortified royal compound is the Manjakamiadana Palace; the largest of the royal structures, which can be seen from most places within the city. Another must-see is the Andafiavaratra Palace; former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony of Madagascar. With Antananarivo sitting at 1,480m above sea level, expats can expect a subtropical highland climate in the city, bringing mild, dry winters and warm, rainy summers. The National Sport of Madagascar is rugby, and the Makis (named after the ring-tailed lemur of the same name) play at the 15,000 capacity Maki Stadium in the city. Along with a varied arts and music scene, there is plenty to see and do in Antananarivo.
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Moving to Antananarivo
When moving to Antananarivo, expats may like to consider which area they will live in. The Rova of Antananarivo sits within ‘Upper Town’, or ‘La Haute Ville’, which is the most historical part of Antananarivo, whereas ‘Middle Town’ houses a mix of residents, businesses and colonial buildings. Expats living in Antananarivo can get information on the different neighborhoods, housing and apartments by asking other InterNations members we are already living there. For expatriates moving to Antananarivo, it’s generally a good idea to connect with the local expat community through InterNations. Not only does this platform give expats access to forums and discussion groups where they can get in touch with other expats, there is also a wealth of information on essential subjects for any expat, including relocation, costs and travel. InterNations also publishes the online Expat Magazine, which covers matters such as insurance, finance, culture shock, working and living abroad, relationships and family, and cross-cultural communication; all important topics when looking to move to a new city.
Working in Antananarivo
The mainstay of the Madagascan economy is agriculture, with land being used to farm rice, other crops and livestock. In Antananarivo, key industries include soap production, brewing, food and tobacco processing, textiles and leather manufacturing. It is also the economic center for Madagascar, with several large businesses contributing to the city’s growth. Expats looking for opportunities to work in Antananarivo can utilize InterNations to find jobs and network with other global minds using the platform. Much of the information on InterNations is supplied by expats living and working in Antananarivo and many other corners of the world, providing a great expat point of view.