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Madagascar – An Island or a Continent? On the Notions of ‘Island’ and ‘Insularity’

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  • Jędrusik Maciej

    (University of Warsaw – Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, Institute of Regional and Global Studies 00-927 Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmieście 30)

Abstract

The impreciseness and conjectural character of the notions of island and continent have been the subject of many debates. Most researchers agree that unique features of an island include isolation and significant linkages between the economy and life of the inhabitants with the sea. Some characteristic features are related to spatial development and a concentration of towns and the transport network near the sea. However, Madagascar, which is regarded as an island in all kinds of classifications, fulfils only some of the above criteria. As far as the natural life is concerned, some consequences of spatial isolation can be observed, particularly the predominance of endemic and relict species in the fauna and flora, whereas in the economic and social sphere, Madagascar reveals features which are characteristic of continents. Is therefore Madagascar rightly considered an island?

Suggested Citation

  • Jędrusik Maciej, 2008. "Madagascar – An Island or a Continent? On the Notions of ‘Island’ and ‘Insularity’," Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development, Sciendo, vol. 13(1), pages 251-258, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:mgrsod:v:13:y:2008:i:1:p:251-258:n:25
    DOI: 10.2478/mgrsd-2008-0025
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