Saranambana is a town and commune (Malagasy: kaominina) located in the district of Fenerive Est, within the Analanjirofo Region of Madagascar. Situated at coordinates 17°15′ S 49°11′ E (approximately −17.250°, 49.183°) and at an elevation of about 272 metres (892 ft) above sea level, the settlement lies in the eastern part of the country.
Demographics
According to the 2001 commune census, Saranambana had an estimated population of roughly 47,000 inhabitants. The majority of residents are engaged in agriculture, with 99 % of the working population employed as farmers.
Economy
Agriculture forms the economic backbone of the commune. Rice is the principal crop, while coffee and cloves also constitute important agricultural products. The services sector provides employment for approximately 1 % of the population.
Education
The town offers primary education as well as junior‑level secondary schooling, providing basic educational facilities for local children.
Infrastructure and Culture
Saranambana, like many rural communes in Madagascar, is characterized by a modest infrastructure supporting its agrarian community. The commune was featured in an episode of The Grand Tour, where the presenters visited the area during a treasure‑hunting segment.
Administrative Context
Within the administrative hierarchy of Madagascar, Saranambana is part of the Analanjirofo Region, which comprises several districts and communes. The district of Fenerive Est, to which it belongs, includes other communes such as Ambanjan’i Sahalava, Ambatoharanana, and Ambodimanga II, among others.
References
- Wikipedia, “Saranambana,” retrieved from the English Wikipedia article on Saranambana (last revision 2024).
- Institut National de la Statistique (Madagascar) census data, 2001.