Amoron’i Mania

The Amoron’i Mania Region located in the central part of the Southern Highlands (province of Fianarantsoa) consists of four (4) districts, namely Ambatofinandrahana, Ambositra, Fandriana and Manandriana. The region is limited to the north: by the Vakinankaratra region; to the east the region of Vatovavy Fitovinany and; to the south, by the region of Matsiatra Ambony; to the west by the Menabe region.

The Amoron’i Mania Region is an integral part of the southern zone of the Central Highlands whose altitude varies from 1,200 to 1,500 m, in the eastern part (Ambositra, Fandriana, Manandriana), from 700 to 1,000 m, on the plains and up to 2,000 m on the massifs, of the Western. The region covers an area equal to 16,540 km², or about 17% of the Fianarantsoa Autonomous Province.The region forms, with the region of Matsiatra Ambony, the original cradle of the Betsileo country.

The Amoron’i Mania Region has a tropical climate of altitude that alternates two seasons

Distinct:

• from November to April :p hot and rainy eriode with precipitation. (1,100 to 1,550mm/year). The maximum temperature can reach 28 °C;
• from May to October :p cool and humid eriode during which the temperature can decrease up to 10,7 °C. Ranked among the coldest regions of Madagascar after the Vakinankaratra region, the average temperature in winter is 2° to 16°C; but during the hot season the region has average temperatures of 18° to 21°C. The average temperature of the region is 16.8 °C with a minimum of 12 °C and a maximum of 21 °C.

The majority of the people of the region are of the Betsileo ethnic group: the Ambositra and Ambatofinandrahana nucleus is a predominantly Betsileo area (90%). We note the presence of a few others ethnic groups, Merina and Antandroy in each district. On the eastern margins are concentrated Tanala and Zafimaniry, and on the margins Western Bara.

The richness of the subsoil especially in the western margins and a confirmed craft tradition predisposed the areas of Ambositra to play a role as a pole of industrial development.

The region has quite significant potential, particularly in terms of tourist sites:

• Zafimaniry country;
• Thermal springs: Ankazoambo, Ambatofinandrahana, Manandriana, Mahazina;
• primary forests of the eastern slope with its specific biodiversity;
• Itazonana waterfall;
• Itremo massif;
• caves and underground passages.

The Amoron’i Mania Region is the starting point for discovery and many excursions, not only from the Betsileo country but also from the southern region in general.

The Matsiatra Ambony region is also one of the most important tourist hubs of Madagascar. Wildlife, thermal spring, viticulture and crafts are the tourist assets of the region. The craftsmanship of this region has helped to make the country known to tourists and to the exterior. It is a more than secular activity that is explained by the insufficiency of agricultural production and by a well-established tradition in the Ambositra area.

This area is especially famous for sculpture, marquetry, basketry, rabane weaving and silk work. About sculpture, if it is a temporary occupation for mostfarmers, the Zafimaniry make it their main activity which constitutes a heritage and makes the Amoron’i Mania region famous. As for silk work, it is famous of Ambositra as well as rabane weaving and basketry. The Ambositra area retains its reputation as an important artisanal nucleus, both on a scale regional than national.