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

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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?

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