About Antsirabe
Located in Madagascar’s Vakinankaratra region, Antsirabe is the country’s largest city. According the 2005 census the population was 186 thousand. The city is known for its cool climate, its industry, and large number of pulled rickshaws. Antsirabe is a Malagasy name meaning ‘place of much salt’, which was given to the city because of its many thermal springs. Many of the buildings in the city belong to the 20th century, including the thermal bath center, Hôtel des Thermes, the railway station, and residence for French retirees. The volcanic Lake Tritriva is another tourist attraction.
The Merina ethnic group, which speaks Malagasy, makes up the majority of the population; French is also spoken and understood, as it is in other major cities in Madagascar. The subtropical highland climate features highs of 19 degrees and lows of 12. January and February are the months that get the most rainfall.
