Antananarivo is the capital, largest city and economic hub of the island nation of Madagascar. Situated near the center of this island, 90 miles inland from the eastern coast, the city has been inhabited for many centuries by Malagasy natives. Taken over and ruled by foreign colonists during the 19th century, Antananarivo has since 1960 been the capital of the independent republic of Madagascar. The city is the gateway to the country’s unique biodiversity, attracting social and ecologically concerned visitors.

2009 saw the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, unexpectedly installed as president of the nation after the incumbent, Marc Ravalomanana, resigned. Dissolving parliament and changing the high court judges, Rajoelina installed himself as the transitional head of state and became the youngest leader in Madagascar's history. Rajoelina later appointed an interim mayor for Antananarivo, the capital city. Scheduled elections are to be held in 2011.http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/17/madagascar-president-ravalomanana-resigns

Antananarivo was an established city before the colonial era. The city was founded in 1625 when a walled citadel was built on a hilltop. The name for the town, which means City of the Thousand Warriors, referred to the number of soldiers posted there as guards. French colonial rule of Antananarivo began in 1895 when they captured the city, folding it into the rest of their protectorate of Madagascar. Independence was established in 1960 and growth for the city proceeded rapidly afterward.http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Antananarivo.aspx#2

Antananarivo is located at Latitude18.80 S, Longitude 47.48 E, with an altitude of 4,186 feet (1276 meters) above the Indian Ocean.http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/madagascar/fahrenheit/antananarivo.htm Lying near the center of the island-nation of Madagascar, there are two distinct seasons. It is dry and cool from May to October, while it is rainy and hot from November until April.

• Rova of Manjakamiadana: The royal palace of Madagascarhttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/215/88714/15+years+later,+the+%E2%80%9CRova+manjakamiadana%E2%80%9D+opens+to+the+public?destId=355357
• Tsimbazaza Zoological Park and Botanical Garden: Flora and fauna collections, some of which are no longer found in their native habitathttp://www.madagascarconsulate.org.za/attractions.html
• Astronomical Observatory: Antananarivo University's observatory
• Crocodile Farm: Also offers lemur, reptile and ostrich collectionshttp://www.placesonline.com/africa/madagascar/antananarivo/parks_and_gardens/croc_farm.asp

• Andry Rajoelina: Madagascar Presidenthttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1063208.stm#leaders
• Michele Ratsivalaka: Antananarivo mayorhttp://www.madonline.com/article.php?article_id=03234&date=2010-11-10&lang=us&PHPSESSID=a947b245879af9ad03883150e165f97a
• Nirina Zubir: Actresshttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm1533492/
• D'Gary (Ernest Randrianasolo): Musicianhttp://www.redstateupdate.net/tribute-pages/dgary-tributepage.html