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The East Coast Region |
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The east coast consists of a narrow band of lowlands, about
a kilometer wide and an intermediate zone of steep bluffs
alternating with ravines bordering an escarpment with access
to the central highlands. The coastline is straight, with the
exception of the bay, offering less in the way of natural harbors
than the west coast and is considered dangerous for swimmers due
to the large number of sharks that frequent the shoreline.
Ile Sainte Marie
This real tropical paradise is a 57 km-long island off the east coast
of Madagascar. It consists of lush vegetation intermingled with many
small villages and exquisite beaches with secluded coves, and fringed
with coconut palms. The orchids are at their peak in September and
hump-backed whales migrate here between July and October.
The Canal des Pangalanes
This 800-kilometer long lagoon has been formed naturally by the washing
of sand up on the island by the Indian Ocean currents as well as by the
silting of rivers. This coastal feature has been used both as a means of
transport up and down the coast as well as a fishing area. The beach slopes
steeply into deep water.
Toamasina
The capital of the country is located between the bay of Ivondro and the
Indian Ocean and is the most important seaport in Madagascar. Many Malagasy
products such as coffee, vanilla, clove, wood, craft industry, pepper, oils
and gasoline, are exported from the port and imported products distributed
through out the country by road or rail from here.
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