Madagascar Independence Day

Madagascar Independence Day

Madagascar celebrates its Independence Day every 26 June. This is the date in 1960 when the complete independence of Madagascar from France was achieved and recognized.

The Ancient and Medieval history of Madagascar includes settlement by black Africans, Arab traders, and Austronesians from the Southeast Asian region of Borneo. But its modern history begins with its discovery by Portuguese explorers in 1500.

It was the French, however, and not the Portuguese who colonised Madagascar, although there was some early British influence on nearby small islands. The French influence began in the 1600’s and 1700’s, but it was only in 1895 that France conquered much of the island and the following year that they officially annexed Madagascar.

A major revolt broke out against French rule in 1897, but failed. Then an even bigger revolt broke out in 1947, but also ultimately failed. But finally, Madagascar was granted partial self-rule in 1958 and total self-rule in 1960, after their push for independence simply would not be dismissed.