MADAGASCAR'S GEOGRAPHY for Kids
Madagascar can be divided into five geographical regions: the east coast, the Tsaratanana Massif in the north, the central highlands, the west coast, and the southwest. The central highlands run the length of the island and range from 2,600 to 5,800 feet (800 to 1,800 meters) in altitude. The Tsaratanana Massif region at the north end of the island has the highest mountain on the island.
Madagascar is often called the "Great Red Island" because of its red soils, which are generally poor for agriculture.
Madagascar also has some interesting limestone formations in the west and north. Known as tsingy, these formations result from years of rainfall, which causes the limestone base to erode.