Fianarantsoa Province

Fianarantsoa Province was one of the former provinces of Madagascar. It covered an area of 103,272 km² and had a population of about 3.4 million people as of July 2001. The capital city of this province was Fianarantsoa, a place known for its meaning, "Good education."

Besides the capital, other important towns in the province included Andohapatsakana, Alakamisy, Fianarantsoa, and Fanjakana. The province was home to four wonderful national parks: Ranomafana National Park, Midongy Du Sud, Isalo National Park, and Andringitra. In 2007, the province and five others were replaced by smaller regions to make governing easier. People often called Fianarantsoa Province simply "Fianar."

Geography and demographics

Fianarantsoa Province bordered Toamasina Province to the north, Antananarivo Province to the northwest, Toliara Province to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Many people there spoke the southern Malagasy Betsimisaraka language.

Most of the people in Fianarantsoa Province lived in poverty, with around 75% below the poverty line. The area struggled with environmental problems and farming challenges. It also had the highest number of children born per woman in Madagascar, with more than six children per woman on average. The main groups of people there were Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, Antaisaka, and Bara, each living in different parts of the province.

Fauna

Several types of small mammals called shrews, such as Microgale cowani, Microgale gracilis, Microgale gymnorhyncha, Microgale longicaudata, Microgale principula, Microgale pusilla, Microgale taiva, and Microgale talazaci, were found only in this area. Many kinds of snakes that lived here were also unique to the region.

Education

In the past, many people in this area could not read or write. Around the year 2002, there were about 1,200 schools that had just been built but were not yet open. These schools were mostly made by the government. Not many students were able to continue their studies. To help more children learn to read and write, the government helped support private schools by giving them money.

Abolition

The president of this area was Fidy Mpanjato Rakotonarivo, starting in 2005. Later, changes were made after a vote in 2007. This led to the creation of 22 smaller areas to help with development in the region.

Administrative divisions

Fianarantsoa Province was divided into five regions of Madagascar: Atsimo-Atsinanana, Amoron'i Mania, Haute Matsiatra, Ihorombe, and Vatovavy-Fitovinany. In 2009, these regions became the main administrative divisions when provinces were no longer used. Each region was further divided into districts, totaling 23 districts across all five regions.