What is it like in Madagascar today?

I've always been interested in the big island... what is it like in Madagascar? Would it be a good place to vacation to? What is the political climate like? Is it safe??

Lets start with politics

Political violence is relatively uncommon in Madagascar. The political crisis of January-June 2002 involved a division of the country between two rival governments but was remarkably restrained in terms of violence. Civil disturbances are uncommon and there have been no notable cases of politically motivated damage to projects. Public safety is adequate; although standard warnings to guard against street crime and theft from vehicles and to minimize or avoid night time road travel, particularly in rural areas apply. Madagascar being an island, there are no belligerent neighbors or politically motivated activities.

Weather

The climate in Madagascar is generally tropical in coastal areas, but cooler temperatures prevail in uplands. Dry weather prevails from May through September.

What is Madgascar

Even after one hour in the country, it was clear to me that Madagascar did not belong to Asia or Africa. It was an island and a culture unto its own and the people are as individual as their country. They speak their own language of Malagasy. The wildlife and plant life are among the most exotic in the world. At night, the sounds of the lemurs' voices and movements fill the air. It is paradise. The sun is bright, the humidity is low and coconuts and palm trees are everywhere. White sand and white picket fences surround restaurants, attracting tourists and the businesses that cater to them. The pace is slow and the people can easily live off the land by growing their own fruits and vegetables and from catching fish in the nearby ocean.

Food&drink

The cheapest way to get a meal is to eat at a "hotely". For about 1300 ariary (or a little less than $1) you can buy a plate of rice, laoka (malagasy for side dish accompanying rice) like chicken, beans or pork, and rice water. For 200 ariary extra you can get a small glass of homemade yogurt.

Bananas (hundreds of varieties) and rice cakes Malagasy 'bread') are staple 'street food' and available everywhere. Coffee is very good, usually hand-made by the cup and served very sweet with condensed milk. Steak-frites is available in restaurants in the larger towns.
There is no safe tap water so be prepared with bottled water, which is usually easily obtainable. The only other option is rice water (water used to cook rice, which will therefore have been boiled). Particularly important to plan ahead if visiting rural areas.

ALL IN ALL A PARADISE
FIND A GOOD HOTEL RENT A CAR AND ENJOY

don't walk under large trees, some of the coconut type seeds weigh up to 80 pounds!

Beautiful country, totaly safe, have a great time, enjoy