Marovoay
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Marovoay | |
|---|---|
  Marovoay Location in Madagascar | |
| Coordinates: 16°6′40″S 46°38′38″E / 16.11111°S 46.64389°E | |
| Country |  Madagascar |
| Region | Boeny |
| District | Marovoay |
| Area | |
• Total | 102.77 km2 (39.68 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 48 m (157 ft) |
| Population (2018 census) | |
• Total | 39,290 |
| • Density | 380/km2 (990/sq mi) |
| • Ethnicities | Sakalava Merina Betsileo |
| Time zone | UTC3 (EAT) |
| Postal code | 416 |
Marovoay (Malagasy pronunciation: [marʷˈvwaj]) is an urban municipality in north-western Madagascar. It belongs to the district of Marovoay, which is a part of Boeny Region. The population of the commune was 39,290 in the 2018 census.[3][4]
Marovoay means "Full of crocodiles". In 1800 this locality was called Kelimaizina, later on it was named Fihaonana before it was renamed Marovoay, a name that was given by the queen Ravahiny.[5]
It was the capital of the Sakalava Boina Kingdom, which still are predominant today but also Merina and Betsileo live in the town, mainly in the fokontany (villages) Antsatramira, Tsimahajao, Itandravaha, Soaniadanana, Mandrosoa and Ankingabe.
Economy
The region of Marovoay is the 2nd largest rice producing area in Madagascar. The majority 60% of the population of the commune are farmers, while an additional 24% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crop is rice, while other important products are cassava and sweet potatoes. Industry and services provide employment for 2% and 10% of the population, respectively. Additionally fishing employs 4% of the population.[4]
Geography
Marovoay has a riverine harbour on the Betsiboka River and is situated at 94 km from Mahajanga and 41 km from the Ankarafantsika National Park.
